Taikoo Shing Residents Report Black Spots in Drinking Water; Asphalt Identified as Source
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Residents of Taikoo Shing in Hong Kong are experiencing discolored drinking water, with numerous reports of black spots appearing in household taps. The Water Supplies Department (WSD) has confirmed the particles are asphalt sediment, attributing the issue to recent water supply adjustments adn a damaged filter at a housing estate water inlet.
The concerns began on the evening of November 15th,2025,following similar reports from Queen’s Hill Estate in fanling and Kam Chun Court in Ma on Shan. Photos circulating online, including those shared by Eastern District Councilor Ding Jianghao on social media, depict water heavily speckled with black particulates.
WSD Confirms asphalt Sediment, Declares Water Safe
Following investigation and laboratory analysis, the WSD released a statement this evening confirming the presence of a “small amount of black sediment particles” identified as asphalt. A spokesperson explained that water supply adjustments conducted near Taikoo Shing on November 15th likely disturbed asphalt sediments within the water pipes, causing them to appear in the water.
“The sediments are inert substances and are not harmful to the human body,” the WSD stated. Importantly, the department emphasized that water quality across all samples tested remains compliant with Hong Kong’s stringent drinking water standards.
Temporary Measures and Ongoing Flushing Operations
To address resident concerns, the WSD has deployed water tankers and established temporary water supply stations within affected housing estates. Service stations have also been set up to answer resident inquiries and provide assistance. As of 9 pm today, November 17th, 2025, the department has completed flushing water meters in approximately 100 premises and dispatched over 20 technicians to flush the inlet levels of electric water heaters. These operations are scheduled to continue tomorrow.
The WSD investigation revealed that the issue is primarily affecting 14 buildings within the fourth and fifth phases of Taikoo Shing, representing roughly 20% of the estate’s total buildings. Personnel are actively collaborating with property management to assist residents with flushing procedures.
Filter Failure Contributed to Contamination
The WSD’s investigation also uncovered a contributing factor: a broken filter at the water inlet of the public water pipe serving the housing estate. This damage is suspected to have allowed sediment to enter the system, exacerbating the issue. The department stated that regular filter inspections are conducted, with the most recent taking place on November 3rd, 2025, revealing no abnormalities at that time. The damaged filter was repaired last night, and the WSD has increased flushing of relevant water pipes.
Recommendations for Residents
the WSD advises residents to flush their taps for a period of time, notably after periods of inactivity or first thing in the morning, to ensure clear water. “To ensure user safety,it is recommended that if the drinking water has stayed in the pipe for a period of time,or when the faucet is used for the first time every morning,the faucet should be turned on for a period of time and then used after the water returns to clear,” a department spokesperson said.Residents are encouraged to report any abnormalities to the management office or the WSD’s customer service hotline at 2824 5000.
Recurring Concerns and Calls for complete Inspection
Eastern District councilor Hung Lian-shan expressed concerns about the recurring nature of the problem, noting similar incidents previously occurred at Grand Bay in Sai Wan Ho, requiring filter installations and pipe replacements. “Although the drinking water in the affected buildings has not been interrupted, neighbors are afraid of using it because of the sediment,” Hung stated. He urged the WSD to address the issue promptly and conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire water network to restore public confidence.
