Yau Tong Blast Water Pipe, Residents Report Black Coating in Tap Water

On October 27, a water pipe in Yau Tong was damaged during road works, causing a water supply disruption. After one week of repairs, water was restored on November 3. However, residents reported unclear black coatings in their tap water and reduced water pressure on Tuesday, November 3. The Water Services Department (WSD) confirmed receiving queries from affected users and explained that the black residues are remnants of the asphalt lining the pipes, flushed out during the maintenance, and are not harmful to public health. Supply has since returned to clear.

On October 27th, a pipeline burst occurred during road works in Tau Shek East, resulting in water disruption. Repairs were completed and water supply was restored late that night. However, a week later, residents in the area reported on social media that the water had black spots and low water pressure. The Water Supplies Department (WSD) confirmed that they had received inquiries from affected users and stated that the black particles in the water were asphalt from the pipeline, which were raised during the flushing process after the repair. They claimed that the water supply did not affect public health. The WSD has further strengthened the cleaning efforts, and the water supply has since returned to clarity. The report noted that some residents had expressed concerns about the asphalt. Several residents reported on the internet that water from their kitchen and bathrooms contained many black spots; one resident mentioned inquiries with the WSD, stating that many users had similar issues. Further investigations by WSD revealed that the black particles in the water were remnants of the asphalt lining in the pipe, which was raised during the flushing process after the repair. The WSD emphasized the importance of maintaining water quality and that all samples met the Hong Kong Water Quality Standards. They are actively working with building management offices, providing technical support, and cleaning internal water tanks and systems. Additional temporary water supply services have been put in place. Furthermore, the WSD suggests that users start opening their taps for a period to flush out the water when they notice any black particles in the water. The agency is continuing to monitor any water quality issues in the area. If residents continue to experience black particles in their water or require assistance, they can contact building management or call the WSD customer service hotline at 2824 5000. The asphalt-lined pipe was part of a risk-based improvement project, which is scheduled to start in October 2025 and will be completed by 2028. This project includes the installation of temporary pipes in the area.

The report also highlighted that the affected pipe, which had an internal asphalt coating, is being replaced as part of a larger initiative to enhance water quality and infrastructure in the area. This project, which is scheduled for completion in 2028, includes the installation of temporary pipelines and improvements to internal water systems in various buildings. The WSD is emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance and user awareness to ensure water safety and quality. Residents are encouraged to follow the WSD’s recommended procedures to address any issues they may encounter. The situation demonstrates the ongoing challenges in maintaining infrastructure and ensuring water quality in urban environments, particularly during maintenance and construction activities.