WSPB is a risk-based, multi-barrier approach that can help property owner/property management agent effectively manage a building’s internal plumbing system through risk assessment and implementation of appropriate control measures. WSPB helps to safeguard drinking water quality in the building in the long term.
Under WSPB, a Designated Person (DP) (such as a property management staff), who is conversant with the operations of the building and is supported by appropriate assisting staff (such as technical staff responsible for the maintenance of internal plumbing systems), is needed to be appointed with the responsibility to develop and implement the WSPB.
WSPs for Buildings Operation Flowchart
WSPB can be developed through the following steps:
- Understand the building’s internal plumbing system;
- Assess and identify areas in the internal plumbing system where there may be risks of contamination, e.g. water storage tanks could be contaminated by the ingress of foreign objects;
- Implement and monitor the corresponding control measures to prevent or reduce the occurrence of the associated risks, e.g. periodic inspection of water storage tanks to ensure that the covers are locked; and
- Perform periodic compliance check-ups to ensure that WSPB is implemented effectively.
To facilitate development and implementation of WSPB, WSD has prepared the “Guidelines for Drinking Water Safety Plans for Buildings in Hong Kong” (the “Guidelines”) and WSP templates for general buildings (such as residential or office buildings) and specific buildings (including schools, residential care homes for the elderly (RCHE) and hospitals). WSD has completed the pilot schemes on the use of the Guidelines and templates on residential buildings, schools, RCHE and hospitals respectively.
In addition to implementing WSPB, individual property owners or residents can also refer to the practices set out in WSD’s Water Use Tips leaflet to learn about use of water, tap hygiene, domestic water filters / pour-through pitcher filters, taste / odour & appearance of drinking water, maintenance of the inside service, approval drinking water products, designated persons or other relevant knowledge to enhance drinking water safety in their premises.
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How can property owners and management agents engage qualified persons?
Answer: Qualified persons (QPs) are those plumbing practitioners with relevant knowledge and experience, such as building services engineers, building surveyors, licensed plumbers, etc., who are able to provide WSPB services to property owners and management agents. These services include risk assessment and regular checking of the internal plumbing system (including water storage tanks, etc.). The above services may require 2 to 3 man-days for a building with general internal plumbing system, and longer for those with more complex systems.
WSPB training courses and workshops are organised by WSD’s accredited training programme providers. Please refer to the following link for the list of QPs trained on WSPB.
List of Qualified Persons Trained in Water Safety Plan for Buildings
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How to ensure quality of services offered by qualified persons?
Answer: Apart from those training mentioned above, WSD will conduct random checking on buildings which have participated in the Quality Water Supply Scheme for Buildings-Fresh Water (Management System). WSD will initiate follow-up investigation if QP’s services are suspected to be substandard. Besides, property owners and management agents of those buildings can also complain about the quality of QP’s services through WSD’s hotline and we will follow up as appropriate.
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How can the property owners be aware of the conditions of drinking water storage tanks?
Answer: In general, lower buildings may receive direct supply of drinking water from WSD. Water storage tanks are usually installed in other buildings to receive WSD's supply before transfer to consumers via the internal plumbing systems. The water storage tanks are of concealed design to reduce the risks of pollution. Moreover, under normal water consumption, the residual chlorine level in the water in water storage tanks can inhibit growth of bacteria. The conditions of water storage tanks can be affected by the operations and maintenance of the internal plumbing system. We recommend that property owners and management agents should engage qualified persons to check the water storage tanks regularly as well as arrange cleansing of the water storage tanks on a regular basis. Depending on the actual conditions, it may cost a few thousand dollars for cleansing the water storage tanks of a building each time.
WSD has set up a help desk to provide technical support to property owners and management agents on WSPB. If you want to know more about WSPB, you may visit Water Safety Plans, or contact the help desk through telephone hotline, fax or e-mail as below for more information.
Hotline：2829 5696*
Fax：2877 4935
E-mail：wspb_help_desk@wsd.gov.hk
*Service Hours: (Mondays to Fridays: 9:00a.m. - 5:30p.m. ; Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed)
