The Water Supplies Department said today that it is following up on the discovery of black particles in the drinking water of some Taikoo Shing households.

The department received a notification from the Taikoo Shing management office last night that residents, mainly in phases four and five of the development, had found small black particles in their drinking water. It immediately sent staff to look into the incident. They collected water samples from affected households and from the buildings’ sump and roof drinking water tanks for laboratory testing. Results are pending.

Based on past experience, the department believes the particles are from bitumen protective coating in the water pipes.

Additionally, the department said a temporary redirecting of the water supply was carried out near Taikoo Shing last night, in order to facilitate pipe maintenance works.

Changes in water pressure might have disturbed sediment inside the pipes, it added.

It further reported that investigations found damage to one of the filter facilities at the estate’s public water inlet, explaining that this might have allowed a small amount of sediment to enter the estate’s public water pipes, causing particles to appear in some households’ drinking water.

Those inlet filters undergo routine inspections, with the most recent regular check, on November 3, showing no abnormalities, the department added.

The damaged filter was repaired last night, and the department has strengthened pipe flushing in the affected system.

Stressing that it understands residents’ concerns, the department advised that if water has remained in pipes for some time, or when using taps for the first time each morning, residents should let the water run until it becomes clear before consumption.

Furthermore, water trucks have been stationed on-site to provide a temporary water supply, and a service counter has been set up to offer assistance.

Residents should notify the management office or call the Water Supplies Department at 2824 5000 if they notice abnormalities in tdrinking water.