Public consultation on proposed amendments to Waterworks Ordinance launched

The Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (November 6) launched a 90-day public consultation on the proposed amendments to the Waterworks Ordinance (Cap. 102) (WWO). The consultation period will end on February 3, 2021.
 
The proposed amendments cover a number of areas, including strengthening control of plumbing works and materials to further safeguard drinking water safety, a mandatory water efficiency labelling scheme for plumbing fixtures and water-consuming devices, and measures to prevent fresh water loss in private communal water mains.
 
"Enhancing drinking water safety and water efficiency are the two prime objectives of the proposed amendments to the WWO. In view of the substantial developments and changes in internal plumbing systems and the plumbing trade since the enactment of the WWO in 1974, a holistic review of the Ordinance is necessary to bring the regulatory frameworks up to date," a spokesman for the DEVB said.

The major proposed amendments to the WWO include: 

(a) regulation of plumbing works;
(b) control of plumbing materials;
(c) control of drinking water dispensers and fountains;
(d) safeguarding drinking water safety at consumers' taps;
(e) Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme; and
(f) proper maintenance of the communal part of internal plumbing systems and rectification of its water loss. 

"We welcome views from the public on the proposed legislative amendments. We will thoroughly consider the views received before finalising the proposals," the spokesman said.
 
The consultation document can be downloaded from the WSD's website (www.wsd.gov.hk/en/pconsultation/LegislativeReview.html). It is also available at all Home Affairs Enquiry Centres and the WSD's Customer Enquiry Centres.
 
Members of the public can submit their views to the WSD by email (LR_consultation@wsd.gov.hk), by fax (2520 3256), or by post (Legislative Review Unit, Water Supplies Department, 46/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong).
 
In addition, two online public forums will be held. Details are as follows:
 

 
Those who would like to participate in the above public forums may register on or before December 4. For details of registration, please refer to the WSD's website (www.wsd.gov.hk/en/pconsultation/LegislativeReview.html). Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.