Q-Leak, the underground water mains leak detection training centre, opened today to provide better facilities for strengthening the industry with training and research capabilities on leak detection.

Officiating at the opening ceremony, Director of Water Supplies Kelvin Lo said the Water Supplies Department has always been committed to stepping up measures to prevent water leakages from both public and private water mains in a bid to reduce water loss.

It is targeted that by 2030 the leakage rate of public water mains could be reduced from the current 15% to below 10%, and measures could be formulated to help minimise water leakage from private water mains.

In view of the Water Intelligent Network’s extension in phases with more District Metering Areas established, the department constructed a new underground water mains leak detection training centre at the site of Tsing Yi North Low Level Fresh Water Service Reservoir and Tsing Yi North Low Level Salt Water Service Reservoir.

The centre covers about 2,400 sq m with facilities simulating Hong Kong's complicated water supply network and underground water main leakage under various conditions and scenarios.

The department envisages Q-Leak to serve as a teaching and research co-operation platform with the trade and post-secondary education institutions in Hong Kong in the field of water mains leak detection, with a view to elevating the city's leak detection technical level and excellence and contributing to the management of precious water resources.