The government on Sunday vowed to conduct further tests to ensure the supply of clean freshwater at a public housing estate in Fanling, following the discovery of black particles in the water there.

The Water Supplies Department also said it would continue to investigate Friday's reports of impurities in the water supply.

Personnel from the department had tested samples from public pipes supplying water to Queen's Hill Estate and water tanks in all the blocks, with the results showing that they were safe.

They did not find any impurities or damage on filters installed at the connection points of the government's mains and the property's water supply system, authorities added.

"As a precautionary measure, the department has immediately arranged for cleaning of the government's pipes supplying water to the estate. No abnormalities were found after the inspection," they said.

"The department will arrange for buildings that have completed cleaning of the water tanks to have samples be tested, to ensure the safety of drinking water. The department will also sample freshwater supply at the affected residential units to make sure the water runs clear."

But the estate's residents told RTHK that they were still not confident about the water's quality.

A man surnamed Cheung urged authorities to conduct an even more thorough cleansing.

"This is not the first time. We have had muddy water and rusty water before," he said. "I think the entire water supply system should be cleaned, and not just the water tanks."

Another resident, surnamed Ng, said she would continue using bottled water for consumption instead of tap water in the meantime.

"At first, I thought it was only my faucet that experienced such a problem, so I kept cleaning," she said. "I have been using mineral water to cook, because I am still nervous of the black specks."

As instructed by the department, the estate's management company had completed the cleaning works at the water tanks of all seven residential blocks and the shopping centre over the weekend.

"The Water Supplies Department will liaise with the Housing Department to continue the investigation from other directions, including detailed inspections of other parts of the water supply system," it added.

The Housing Department, for its part, expressed concerns over the impurities reportedly found, saying it will work together with the Water Supplies Department to look at ways to strengthen filtration equipment.

Housing officials also maintained close contact with district councillors and care team members to provide support to the estate's residents.
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Last updated: 2025-06-01 HKT 17:01