World freshwater resource is running short. To ensure sufficient water resources for sustainable development, water conservation and protection as well as exploration of new water resources are of paramount importance. Amongst the possible measures, use of reclaimed water is a long term strategy that carries with it significant meanings.
Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater which is clear in appearance, odourless and is safe for use.
Reclaimed water can be used widely. International experience in the use of reclaimed water includes cleaning roads and vehicles, irrigating parks and sport fields, flushing toilets, fire fighting, industrial productions, urban development and landscaping. Reclaimed water does not only minimise pollution to the environment and burden to the ecosystem, but also relieves the demand on freshwater resource. This in turn brings about advantages to sustainable development and environmental protection.
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Bird-eye view of Ngong Ping Sewage Treatment Works |
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has introduced a pilot scheme of reclaimed water usage in the Ngong Ping Sewage Treatment Works (NPSTW), which came into operation in late 2005. Being the first tertiary treatment plant in Hong Kong, NPSTW makes use of advanced chemical, biological, filtering and disinfection processes. The resultant reclaimed water is purified and odourless and is safe for a wide range of non-potable uses.
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Reclaimed water is used for rearing fishes |
The reclaimed water produced by NPSTW is used for toilet flushing in nearby public toilets, toilets in the Ngong Ping Cable Car Terminal and related tourism facilities. Part of the reclaimed water is also used inside the treatment works for rearing aquarium fishes and controlled irrigation. The plant is now treating about 450m3 per day of sewage.
To promote the use of reclaimed water and to raise the public awareness of environmental protection, an information centre is designed inside NPSTW. Through rich display panels, physical model, 3D animation, computer games and videos, the information centre introduces the operation of NPSTW, use of reclaimed water, and the Total Water Management in Hong Kong. Admission is free and the public is welcome to visit us.
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The Ngong Ping Sewage Treatment Information Centre |
Total Water Management
The Chief Executive put forward the Total Water Management Scheme in the 2003 Policy Address. An inter-departmental working group, led by the Water Supplies Department (WSD) with the participation of DSD and Environmental Protection Department (EPD), was established. A pilot project was implemented in the Ngong Ping STW to use reclaimed water for controlled irrigation, rearing aquarium fishes and flushing in nearby public toilets. The experience obtained from this pilot scheme will shed light on the feasibility on extending the use of reclaimed water in other parts of the territory.
3D Animation
| Adventure Tour of the tertiary treatment in NPSTW |
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| Play (50MB, wmv) |
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Games
Leaflets
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