The department plans water resources, prepares outline proposals for new water supply schemes and improvements to the existing system to meet growth of demand in existing and developing areas, monitors the adequacy of water resources and installations and collates hydrological information necessary for the management and development of the waterworks.
The department carries out design and supervision of construction of waterworks projects which includes catchwater, tunnels, reservoirs, water treatment works, access roads, pumping stations and pipeworks. Specialist works such as laying of submarine pipeline, dam construction and major water supply projects are usually undertaken by consulting engineers. The Consultants Management Division will vet and approve consultant's proposals and monitor and administer work and agreement.
The department monitors water storage, operation and maintenance of catchwater, intakes, impounding reservoirs, pumping stations, water treatment works, service reservoirs, trunk and distribution mains to ensure a reliable water supply to the customers.
The department checks and controls the quality of water supplied. It regularly carries out chemical, bacteriological, limnological, biological and radiological examination of samples taken from raw, treated and customer tap sources.
The department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Waterworks Ordinance and Regulations. The department also scrutinises plumbing proposals for new and revised plumbing system of building and inspect the works. Provision of metered supplies, and customer enquires and complaints regarding new connections and disconnections of water supplies are also handled by the department.