The Taikoo Shing drinking water incident has been the talk of the town. Residents of several parts of the estate (including Phases 4 and 5, covering about 14 blocks such as Tai Hong Lau and Tong Kung Lau) found black particles or sediment in their water. The situation persisted for several days from 15 November and drew wide attention. The Water Supplies Department and other parties have responded; here are the known facts as at 21 November:
How the incident unfolded
- From the evening of 15 November, residents of some blocks reported water carrying black suspended matter or sediment from the tap; some filter cartridges turned deep black within hours to a night.
- The affected area concentrated on adjoining blocks in Phases 4 and 5; there is no evidence that all of Taikoo Shing or neighbouring areas were affected.
- Residents posted photos and videos showing clear black sediment after water was left to stand; some worried about clogged water heaters or effects on cooking and drinking.
Water Supplies Department test results (as at 18 November)
- The WSD and the Department of Health took water samples on 16-17 November from residents' homes and the buildings' supply systems, including rooftop and ground-level storage tanks.
- Preliminary tests found the black matter to be mainly bitumen particles with a little rust, believed to come from the old bitumen anti-rust lining of ageing galvanised iron pipes inside the buildings, dislodged by pressure changes; the pressure changes are thought to relate to supply-network adjustments the WSD carried out near Taikoo Shing on the evening of 15 November.
- All samples met the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards (which follow WHO guidelines) for micro-organisms (E. coli, total coliforms) and heavy metals (lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium and others), within safe levels.
- The WSD stressed that the black particles are physical impurities, insoluble in water, and that long-term intake would not pose a health risk.
Follow-up by the authorities
- The WSD flushed the pipework of the affected buildings, completing all 14 blocks over 16-18 November, and continues to monitor water quality.
- Swire Properties (the property manager) said it would assist the WSD and provide temporary drinking water for residents in need, including water wagons distributing water on site.
- Investigation found damage to the strainer at the estate's communal water main inlet, suspected of letting deposits into the supply system.
- As at 21 November the authorities had issued no further major updates; monitoring continues, residents have not been asked to stop using the water for drinking or cooking, but running the tap for a few minutes until the water clears is suggested.
Why do older internal pipes have a bitumen lining?
The many private estates built in Hong Kong in the 1970s and 80s (including Taikoo Shing, completed 1977-1987) commonly used galvanised steel pipes for internal drinking water, lined with bitumen (coal tar) against rust. With age the lining hardens and grows brittle; pressure fluctuations, pipe repairs or fire hydrant testing can dislodge it — producing exactly this kind of black water.
Similar incidents have occurred in older estates before, including:
- 2018 — Mei Foo Sun Chuen
- 2020 — Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate
- 2023 — Mei Ho House, Sham Shui Po
Short-term measures for residents
- Run the tap for 5-10 minutes until the water clears before use
- Boil drinking water (letting residual particles settle)
- Use a home water filter with sufficient filtration precision
- If black particles persist, contact the property management office or the WSD hotline (2824 5000) to arrange free on-site water testing
The longer-term fix
The root-and-branch answer is internal pipe replacement — swapping the old galvanised iron for modern PPR, copper or stainless steel. But the works are costly (roughly tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars per flat) and need the whole building's owners' corporation to agree and share the bill. Legislators have urged the government to step up pipe inspections and improvements.
The government and the WSD are actively promoting the Water Safety Plan, encouraging older buildings to apply for subsidies to renew their pipework — a policy worth residents' attention.
In sum, the water in this incident did not breach safety standards on testing; it was chiefly a visual and perception problem born of ageing pipes and supply adjustments. It is also a reminder that thousands of Hong Kong buildings from the 1970s and 80s still carry ageing internal pipework — a risk that deserves continued attention.
How to choose a filter with enough filtration density?
Filters on the market vary enormously in precision and scope. Ordinary pre-filters and carbon-rod units mainly block larger particles, improve taste or handle chlorine notes. If sediment, rust colour or metal-related concerns from old pipework are the worry, choose by the actual water conditions, the state of the pipes and daily needs. An RO reverse osmosis system is one of the higher-precision point-of-use options, but should not be treated as guaranteeing health outcomes or solving every building supply problem on its own. If colour, taste or sediment stays unusual, contact the property management office, the WSD or a qualified technician as well.
Choosing a home Water Purifier or RO water dispenser? Compare Bio-Link's current home solutions first, by installation space, usage and whether you need instant hot water:
- RO838: for households wanting an under-sink RO filter, using filtered water for daily cooking and drinking.
- DT400: suitable for homes that want a tabletop instant-hot water dispenser with filtration options chosen to suit on-site conditions.
Choosing the right Office Water Dispenser? Compare Bio-Link's current commercial solutions first, by headcount, pantry space, hot and cold water needs and maintenance arrangements:
- ST1523: suited to medium and large offices or busy shared pantries, with higher capacity and RO filtration.
- ST9102: suited to schools, educational institutions or shared venues that need durable design and fixed maintenance arrangements.
- STC15: suited to small offices, clinics or studios with limited space, supporting more compact commercial installations.
For offices, schools and commercial venues, the right dispenser solution is more than drinking equipment — it cuts water deliveries, storage and bottled water handling, supporting operational reliability and plastic-reduction and ESG goals.
Why choose Bio-Link?
Bio-Link was established in Hong Kong in 1997, providing one-stop consultation, installation and maintenance for filtration systems and hot-and-cold water dispensers across Hong Kong and Macau. Bio-Link has long focused on water filters and drinking water equipment, helping homes, offices, F&B businesses, hotels, educational institutions, community centres, medical institutions, research laboratories and other venues choose the right drinking and filtration solutions for their actual needs. For users worried about old pipework or sediment, start by understanding the site's water and pipe condition, then pair the right filtration equipment with regular maintenance and cartridge replacement.