Should Hong Kong continue to import water from Mainland China?

MPA POLS 7050

Polly, Hung Sui Ying (10430385)

Water distribution in the world

Fresh water

Salt water

2.5% fresh water 97.5% salt water

               

70% is frozen in ice caps and glaciers.

Fresh water is limited!

Main water sources in HKPotable water Import raw water from Dongjiang (the East

River)—70-80% Local catchments (mainly from reservoirs)

—20-30%Non-potable water Seawater (for toilet flushing—80% of the p

opulation)

Depend highly on ONE

major source!

Present situation in the mainland

‘Pollution leads to muddy tap water’ China Daily dated 15th November 2011

‘Business caught in grip of mainland water crisis’ SCMP 14th November, 2011

Rapid industrial development

Pollution along Yangtze River

http://factsanddetails.com/china.php?itemid=391&catid=10&subcatid=66#3303

Illegal dumping of toxic chromium waste in Yunnan…

is likely to cause cancer in local residents.?

Are we alone?

Threats worldwide USA: ‘Texas water supply for the future is

uncertain’ Houston Chronicle dated 14th November 2011

‘Israel has suffered from a chronic water shortage for years.’ http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/scarcity.html

Water supply in Australia is extremely variable. http://www.3green.com.au/webapps/i/65684/74079/82536

Singapore is lack of natural water sources.

Unstable fresh water supply!

Polluted water sources!

War to compete for clean water?

Any alternatives? Education on water conservation. Water reclamation. Seawater desalination.

Singapore

Water supply in SingaporeAims Diversify water sources. Ensure the future generations will continue

to enjoy sustainable water supply.

http://www.pub.gov.sg/products/NEWater/Pages/default.aspx

Four national taps in Singapore

Water from local catchment areas. Imported water. Reclaimed water (known as NEWater). Desalinated water.

NEWater in Singapore NEWater 30%. NEWater is high-grade reclaimed water pr

oduced from treated used water.

Quality water Singapore’s tap water is well within the W

orld Health Organisation drinking water guidelines, and is suitable for drinking without any further filtration.

Singaporeans have enjoyed stable and good quality water for four decades.

Australia

Threats Australia is a dry island continent -

rainfall and consequently river flow and groundwater recharge are extremely variable.

Access to an adequate supply of good quality water is essential to the economic and social well being of all Australians.

http://www.3green.com.au/webapps/i/65684/74079/82536

Strategies Water conservation Water reclamation Seawater desalination Installation of water saving

devices in households.

Advantages of the policies in Singapore and Australia Ensure stable water supply. Ensure the quality of drinking water.

Maintain the health of the general public. Reduce medical expense.

Should Hong Kong continue to import water from Mainland China?

Water demand in Hong Kong In 2007—951 million cubic meters In 2030—1,315 million cubic meters

Hong Kong needs to diversify its water sources!

What can we learn from other countries?

Total Water Management since 2005

Managing all water resources in all aspects. Ensure sustainable use of water resources. In 2004—Pilot Desalination Plant. In 2005—Ngong Ping Pilot Scheme on Rec

laimed Water & Shek Wu Hui Demonstration Scheme on Reclaimed Water.

Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works Provides residents in in Sheung Shui

and Fanling with reclaimed water for toilet flushing and other non-potable uses.

Water Demand Management To enhance public education on

water conservation. To promote use of water saving

devices. To enhance water leakage control. To extend use of seawater for

toilet flushing.

Water Supply Management To strengthen protection of water

resources. To actively consider water

reclamation. To develop the option of seawater

desalination.

Water Saving Devices

Rain barrelhttp://www.watersavers.com/rain-barrels/prism-rain-barrel---54-108-gal_8_8.php

Rain barrels To increase local catchments. Install at the roofs of buildings. Catch rain water during raining seasons. Store water for toilet flushing. Switch to seawater when rainwater is

exhausted.

WaterlessUrinal System

http://waterlessurinalsystem.com/desert-water-efficient-urinal.html

Waterless Urinal System In public toilets. Safe on our precious waterways and fo

r people. Keep your washroom odour-free. Quick and easy to clean. Pleasant to use.

Water reclamation in Hong Kong

Opportunities!

Now Use the reclaimed water mainly

for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation.

Tomorrow The HK Housing Society is considering to

rebuild 6 to 8 housing estates (over 40 years old). (Ming Pao 20th November, 2011)

‘With one small change, you can make a big difference.’