From 10pm on July 12 to 8am on July 13, the supply of fresh and flushing water to residents in the Queen’s Hill area will be temporarily suspended, the Water Supplies Department announced today.

The water suspension period is necessary because works will be carried out to connect new temporary water mains to the existing water supply system, with a view to decommissioning the water mains with bitumen lining at Ping Che Road, which supplies water to the Queen’s Hill area, the department explained.

The preparations for connecting the temporary water mains will enter a final stage on July 12 for its commissioning this Sunday on July 13.

Affected areas will include Queens Hill Estate, Shan Lai Court, as well as 68 villages on Sha Tau Kok Road (from Hung Leng Tsuen to Sha Tau Kok Town), Ping Che Road (from Hung Leng Tsuen to Wun Chuen Sin Kwoon), Ng Chow Road, Wo Keng Shan Road and at Luk Keng.

To expedite the work processes so that the suspension can be shortened, the department will mobilise a workforce of about 200 to carry out the connection works.

While affected consumers are advised to finish major daily cleaning and store water as needed before 10pm on Saturday, the department said it will provide temporary water supply during the suspension period.

Moreover, to allow households to make early preparations, the department and the North District Office have liaised with members of the North District Council, Rural Committees as well as District Services & Community Care Teams regarding the water suspension, in order to put in place appropriate assistance measures.

The department added that before the resumption of water supply by 8am on Sunday, it will flush the related water mains to ensure that the water quality is clear. As such, when the water supply resumes, drinking water in the water mains may contain air bubbles, making the water look milky.

It is normal if individual consumers encounter milky or slightly turbid water in the early stage of the water resumption, the department pointed out, noting that the water will become clear again as the air bubbles dissipate.

It further suggests that consumers first remove strainers of water taps, continuously run the taps for a few minutes and reinstall the strainers after the water becomes clear. Alternatively, they can let the water stand in a container for a while.

Separately, the department emphasised that it will also strive to replace the temporary water mains with permanent underground water mains by end of this year. The section of temporary water mains will then be relocated for reuse.

For enquiries, call the Water Supplies Department at 2824 5000.

Residents of Queens Hill Estate may call 2537 0001, while Shan Lai Court residents may call 2713 9530.