Sustainable Operations

Experience and a precise understanding of what is required in terms of viable water supplies are key elements that enable us to operate in a sustainable manner.

The Department is committed to:

• working in strict compliance with environmental regulations
• optimising the use of energy and fuel consumption
• limiting gaseous emissions
• minimising the consumption of glossary items in offices
• minimising the use of chemicals in the water treatment process
• minimising water loss across the distribution system
• minimising environmental impacts that can arise from construction work
• reducing the quantities of solid, liquid and chemical wastes generated by our laboratories, workshops and treatment works
• minimising the discharge of effluent and where possible recycle effluent
• reducing noise generated from pumping stations
• encouraging the setting up of green roofs
• encouraging the use of recycled paper

Environmental Focus

The vision of the Department is to excel each day at satisfying the needs of providing water services to our customers. As part of that commitment, we fully appreciate the responsibilities we have toward maintaining a clean environment. For this reason, the New Works Branch of the Department is tasked to ensure that all impacts to the environment will be minimised in planning, designing and building waterworks. Since early 2013, The New Works Branch has followed a strict protocol as part of the Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO Standard 14001. The EMS mandate is: “Environmental management while providing water supply services from planned and new engineered projects, developments, products and services.”. In October of 2013, the New Works Branch obtained ISO14001: 2004 Environmental Management System Standards certification applicable to the delivery of engineering projects for the provision of water supplies. A host of environmental management programmes have subsequently been developed and reviewed annually to assist in achieving our environmental objectives and targets.

Energy Use and Savings

As one of the largest consumers of electricity in Hong Kong, we are mindful of the need to continue reducing energy consumptions while exploring renewable energy options. Through a host of on-going energy management programmes, we have reaped significant energy savings by optimising our energy use across the entire chain of operations for supplying water to customers. The most effective energy saving measures include promotion of water conservation within the community along with timely maintenance and replacement of mechanical and electrical equipment. Although an increase in the overall electricity consumption was recorded as a result of lesser local yield and more pumping in 2014/15, we will strive to improve the energy performance of our major assets and maintain green housekeeping of waterworks offices and installations continuously.

Wave-powered Cleaning Device

Our staff members have developed an innovative Wave-powered Cleaning Device by using tidal waves to prevent growth of marine organisms on the intake screens of seafront salt water pumping stations, which has resulted in significant manpower and energy savings. About half of our seafront salt water pumping stations have been installed with this device and ultimately it will be extended to all seafront salt water pumping stations.

ISO 50001 Energy Management

Since early 2014, we have strengthened our Energy Management System in accordance with the requirements of ISO 50001: 2001 standard by establishing clear energy policies and targets, formulating a comprehensive energy-measurement plan, and setting up a mechanism for continuous monitoring and improvement. In December 2014, the Department was awarded the ISO 50001 Energy Management System certification covering the collection, storage, transfer, treatment, distribution and supply of fresh water and sea water within the Hong Kong SAR. We are the first government department in Hong Kong to have obtained this certification.

Using ceramic epoxy coating to improve pump efficiency

Ceramic coating has been applied on trial basis to the internal surfaces of six raw/fresh water pumps in a bid to improve the pumping efficiency.

Hydropower plant

After the successful commissioning of the first hydropower turbine generator at Tuen Mun Water Treatment Works, the Department has now proceeded to Phase II of the project to install the second turbine generator by 2016/17. In addition, we are exploring the feasibility of installing similar hydropower plants at other waterworks installations with sufficient residual head at the intake such as the Sha Tin Water Treatment Works to further promote the utilisation of available green energy to help reduce electricity costs and carbon emissions.

In-line hydropower harnessing devices

In-line hydropower harnessing devices developed in collaboration with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University are being installed to provide a continuing electricity supply to the monitoring equipment installed on the underground pipelines for district metering and pressure management. This innovative design can greatly increase the frequency of data transmission in district metering to enhance the efficiency of the data analysis.

Further development of the devices for applications in larger pipelines up to 600mm in diameter has been carried out by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University under ITC Funding. A 250mm diameter prototype has been successfully tested with promising results and is ready for on-site trials.

Implementation of variable speed pumping

Variable speed pump operation is one of the key initiatives that can cut energy consumption in pumping for both existing and new pumping stations. A pilot scheme has been implemented at the Wah Fu Salt Water Pumping Station for supplying seawater for toilet flushing in the related supply zone. A similar design will also be adopted for new installations such as the new proposed reprovisioned Harcourt Road Fresh Water Pumping Station.