The quality of the fresh water supply in public rental housing blocks has been guaranteed further with the recent certification of about 300 blocks under the Fresh Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme.

Launched by the Water Supplies Department two years ago, the scheme encourages building owners to maintain their plumbing system to ensure good quality water supply for users.

To qualify for accreditation under the scheme, building owners are required to clean the water tanks and inspect the plumbing system at least once every three months and test water samples at least once a year.

The Housing Department joined the scheme early this year, aiming to get certification for its 1,000 blocks within three years.

Deputy Director of Housing for Estate Management Lau Kai-hung said the scheme accreditation signifies the department has maintained its blocks' plumbing system properly and has consistently kept the level of maintenance to a high standard.

"We care about the quality of fresh water throughout the supply system in our public housing estates. Joining the scheme provides a third-party guarantee and certification of our maintenance quality," he said, adding in the long run, it helps to detect problems at an early stage and carry out maintenance works as soon as possible.

Mr Lau said the department has also kicked off a programme to replace the galvanised steel water pipes installed in 884 public housing blocks before 1996.