Currently, Hong Kong has a 3-pronged water supply system, comprising rainwater from local catchments, imported water from Dongjiang in Guangdong and seawater for toilet flushing, respectively accounting for 19%, 58% and 23% of the total water consumption of 1,385 million cubic metres in 2022. With these three water sources, Hong Kong has been enjoying reliable water supply over the years.
To better prepare Hong Kong for the challenges of climate change and increasing demand for fresh water due to rapid population and economic growth, and competition for water resources in the Pearl River Delta region, we have been developing new water sources which are not susceptible to climate change, including seawater desalination and recycled water (viz. reclaimed water, treated grey water and harvested rainwater).
