Quality water: Director of Water Supplies Chan Chi-chiu speaks at Fresh Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme certificate presentation ceremony.

More than 90% of people are satisfied with Hong Kong's tap water quality, Director of Water Supplies Chan Chi-chiu says.

A survey targeting domestic customers and property-management companies was conducted late last year and early this year.

The survey found that people are aware of the importance of regular maintenance of fresh water plumbing systems in buildings. They are also less likely now to attribute water quality problems to the department's water treatment capabilities or Dongjiang water quality.

Speaking at the Fresh Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme's certificate presentation ceremony today, Mr Chan said the quality of treated water in Hong Kong is as good as that of cities in other well-developed countries. One can drink water directly from the tap if the internal plumbing system is maintained properly.

Satisfaction rise

The survey showed both domestic customers and property-management agents have a positive perception of tap water. When compared with a similar survey conducted in 2002, domestic customers' satisfaction level rose significantly in tap water smell, clarity and purity.

However, customers living in buildings 10 to 20 years old are generally less satisfied with tap water quality. This is probably due to rusting and corrosion of their water-supply installations or facilities, which have not been replaced.

Nearly 40% of domestic customers perceived the renovation of water-supply installations or facilities as the most important building rehabilitation task.

On the Fresh Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme launched in July 2002, most domestic customers aware of the scheme say their buildings should join it. Nearly two-thirds of them believed that the scheme can ensure water quality in buildings.

Click here for scheme details, or call 2824 5000.