LettersMust Hong Kong use seawater for flushing, despite leaks and repairs?
Readers discuss the everyday impacts of the city’s dual water supply system, and the importance of reaching socially withdrawn young people
In recent days, residents in my building had to prepare containers of water to flush toilets manually, after the saltwater mains in the neighbourhood sprang a leak.
This is no isolated incident. In Hong Kong, if you follow the news, you may find that not a month goes by without a saltwater pipe somewhere leaking, gushing, affecting traffic flow or daily household life. In May, flushing water supply was suspended for many users in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung after an underground leak; within hours, a saltwater pipe in Tuen Mun burst and also needed to be repaired.
This is not to mention the saltwater leakage problems and disputes between neighbours that are so commonplace in Hong Kong and on the TVB programme Scoop, but unheard of in most places.
Hong Kong has used seawater for flushing since the late 1950s. Is normal wear and tear causing saltwater leaks to be in the news so much? Have the relevant authorities done a full accounting of policy impacts? Does the fresh water that is being saved outweigh the need for emergency repairs to piping and plumbing outside and inside buildings, as well as the inconvenience and maintenance (or sometimes even legal-related) costs caused to residents over the years?