The Water Supplies Department today followed up on the discovery of black particles in the drinking water of some Taikoo Shing households.

The department received a notification last night that residents, mainly in phases four and five of Taikoo Shing estate, 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. 

The department later said that the test results showed all water samples met the required standards for drinking water. It added that the small amount of black participles in the samples were confirmed to be bitumen. 

It is believed that water pressure changes caused by the department's temporary redirecting of the water supply near Taikoo Shing last night stirred up bitumen sediments inside the pipes. The department stressed that these sediments are inert substances and pose no harm to human health. The damaged filter was repaired last night, and the department has strengthened pipe flushing in the affected system.

To minimise inconvenience to residents, the department and the estate's property management company arranged for cleaning of the sump drinking water tanks of affected buildings overnight into Monday morning. Cleaning of roof drinking water tanks will follow in the morning during off-peak water usage hours, with completion expected during Monday. 

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.

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 continued abnormalities in drinking water.