What is Unlawful Taking of Water?

Under the Waterworks Ordinance (Cap 102), except with the permission of the Water Authority, no person shall:-

1. Take water from the waterworks other than through a fire service, inside service or public standpipe.
1. Take water from the waterworks other than through a fire service, inside service or public standpipe.
2. Take water through a fire service for any purpose other than for fire fighting.
2. Take water through a fire service for any purpose other than for fire fighting.
3. Take through a fire service or inside service water which is not measured by a meter.
3. Take through a fire service or inside service water which is not measured by a meter.
4. Take water through an inside service for any purpose other than that for which the water is supplied.
4. Take water through an inside service for any purpose other than that for which the water is supplied.
5. Divert water from the waterworks.
5. Divert water from the waterworks.
 

Hazards of the Illegal Practice

Unlawful taking of water may cause pollution to water. For example, using fresh water for flushing by connection fresh water service tank to flushing water service tank may contaminate the fresh water and impose threats to the health of the customers.

A fire services system could be rendered ineffective by illegal usages. If the water stored in the fire service roof tank is used up by illegal usages and when the pumpsets supplying water to the roof is not functioning properly during a fire, the consequence could be very serious with loss of lives and properties.

Unlawful taking of water may cause waste of water. For example, using fresh water for flushing will cause a waste to the precious fresh water.

Penalties of the Offence

Any person who contravenes the provisions shall be guilty of a criminal offence and, unless a penalty is otherwise expressly provided, be liable:-

What should I do if I suspect someone is taking water unlawfully?

For suspected unlawful water taking cases, please report the date, time, location of the incident and other relevant information to the Water Supplies Department by:-

  1. Call WSD Customer Enquiry Hotline at 2824 5000 (24-hour hotline)
  2. Email to wsdinfo@wsd.gov.hk

The personal particulars of the informant will be kept strictly confidential.

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