Shau Kei Wan Residents Report Black Sediment in Tap Water After Pipe Repair
HK01 · 5 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
A major water main rupture occurred in Shau Kei Wan on October 27, 2026, when a contractor working on road maintenance accidentally punctured an 18-inch cast iron pipe near Yan Man Commercial Centre on Shau Kei Wan Road. The incident left over 10,000 households in Shau Kei Wan, Aldrich Bay, and parts of Sai Wan Ho without water for approximately 12 hours until supply was gradually restored that evening. Nearly a week later, numerous residents took to social media to report that their tap water contained dense black sediment resembling sand and gravel, with some experiencing skin irritation and sore throats after using the affected water.
Key Points
- The Highways Department contractor was conducting road maintenance work when the 18-inch cast iron pipe was accidentally breached, causing flooding at the construction site near Yan Man Commercial Centre
- Water supply to affected areas was restored starting at 9:30 PM on October 27, though the Water Supplies Department noted the extensive pipe network required thorough flushing before normal service resumed
- Resident Ms. Shao told reporters she filtered water with a tea bag after supply returned, and the bag immediately accumulated numerous black particles; her hot water supply has been unreliable since the incident
- Chemical analysis of water samples confirmed the black sediment was bitumen, an inert material used as an internal protective coating in steel pipes upstream, which was stirred up during the flushing process and carried to downstream users
- All water samples tested comply with the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standard, and the department has deployed tankers and portable tanks to provide temporary water supply to buildings in need
Why It Matters
The incident highlights aging water infrastructure concerns in Hong Kong, as the affected pipe section using bitumen coating has been included in a risk-based improvement programme that began in October 2025, with permanent replacement works not scheduled for completion until January 2028 . District councilor Zik Lingtam noted that similar sediment issues have occurred during past pipe maintenance or bitumen shedding, urging the Water Supplies Department to better utilize community networks such as the Care Team to proactively monitor building water quality . The department's handling of the situation has drawn criticism from some residents who say authorities failed to publicly explain the issue or proactively contact affected households, raising questions about crisis communication protocols.
The incident highlights aging water infrastructure concerns in Hong Kong, as the affected pipe section using bitumen coating has been included in a risk-based improvement programme that began in October 2025, with permanent replacement works not scheduled for completion until January 2028 . District councilor Zik Lingtam noted that similar sediment issues have occurred during past pipe maintenance or bitumen shedding, urging the Water Supplies Department to better utilize community networks such as the Care Team to proactively monitor building water quality . The department's handling of the situation has drawn criticism from some residents who say authorities failed to publicly explain the issue or proactively contact affected households, raising questions about crisis communication protocols.