Hong Kong authorities have been urged to speed up pipe replacement and monitoring after three ruptures in the same area within a week raised fresh concerns about ageing water infrastructure.
The latest burst pipe in Tuen Mun follows a series of leaks in recent months, including similar ruptures in Kwai Chung and Shau Kei Wan. The latter incident affected more than 10,000 households.
The Water Supplies Department said on Tuesday morning that fresh water supply to four residential complexes near Tuen Lee Street would gradually resume after 9.30am, following the completion of emergency repairs to a 600mm (23.6-inch) steel water pipe.
The supply was suspended at 11pm the previous night to allow for repair works.
Appearing on a radio programme on Tuesday, Tuen Mun district councillor Chung Kin-fung said the rupture – which happened on Monday morning – had affected about 7,000 residents and was the third incident in the area within a week.
“Disrupting water supply to one area three times in such a short period has caused significant distress to residents,” he said.