Quality Water Recognition Scheme for Buildings

The Water Supplies Department announced today (January 1) that the “Fresh Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme” is renamed as “Quality Water Recognition Scheme for Buildings” to signify the introduction of new enhancement features.  

A spokesman for the department said that the new arrangements were made with an aim to attract more property owners, owners’ corporations and management agents to join the scheme and maintain fresh water plumbing systems properly.  The Advisory Committee on Quality of Water Supplies had endorsed the new arrangements which comes into immediate effect.

The new features include:
*   classifying the recognition certificates into Gold, Silver and Blue grades to
promote continuous participation; and
*   adding the names of Incorporated Owners and management agents on the certificates to
commend their contribution.

The three grades of certificates will be awarded according to the following criteria:
*   Blue Certificates: Buildings which have joined the scheme for less than three years.
*   Silver Certificates: Buildings which have joined the scheme for three years or more
but less than five years continuously without a break of more than three months.  
*   Gold Certificates: Buildings which have joined the scheme for five years or more
continuously without a break of more than three months.

The “Fresh Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme” was a voluntary scheme launched in July, 2002 aiming to encourage property owners, owners' corporations and building management agents to carry out regular maintenance of the fresh water plumbing systems of their premises. Under the scheme, fresh water plumbing systems are required to be inspected at least once every three months and confirmed to be in good condition by licensed plumbers or qualified building services surveyors or engineers.

All defects identified in the inspections should be promptly rectified.  The water tanks also need to be cleaned every three months. Water quality tests are to be carried out once a year for new applications and once every two years for renewal applications.

As at December 31, 2007, the department have issued 1,966 certificates, to residential/commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, schools, universities and public institutions. The certificate will valid for one year.

Details of the enhanced scheme and application procedures are available on the department's website http://www.wsd.gov.hk.  Information can be obtained from the department's 24-hour enquiry hotline on 2824 5000.


Ends/Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:01


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