Hong Kong water safety saga: what happened and how to protect yourself

Hong Kong’s leader has rolled out 10 measures to address a freshwater contamination case involving banned substances dirtying the supply at two public housing estates.

The Post unpacks the water safety concerns behind the saga and how people can protect themselves.

1. What’s the scandal about?

Residents at two public rental and subsidised estates in Fanling first reported the presence of black particles in their drinking water on Friday last week, prompting some to buy bottled water as speculation mounted over the source of the mysterious dark specks.

Government test results on Thursday confirmed that the particles found in the freshwater supply at Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court in Fanling were bitumen, a substance produced through the distillation of crude oil and known for its waterproofing and adhesive properties.

It has been banned from use in water pipes since 2005, but authorities have stressed that the water remains safe to consume.

The latest tests showed the bitumen was found to be mixed with resin, a thick substance typically produced by plants.