.jpg "Treasure Our Water Don’t contaminate")
Most of the gathering grounds are designated as part of the territory’s Country Parks to conserve the precious natural environment of Hong Kong. The public should refrain from contaminating them. Hikers in particular should protect these precious water resources while enjoying the beautiful scenery there. Furthermore, the gathering grounds and impounding reservoirs are prone to serious flooding, they are definitely not suitable for water play or swimming.
According to the Waterworks Ordinance Section 30(2)(a), any person who enters, or bathes or washes in, water forming part of the waterworks; Section 30(2)(b), any person who washes or causes or permits any animal to enter therein; and Section 30(2)(c), any person who throws or places any thing therein, shall be guilty of an offence. Any person guilty of an offence shall be liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and to imprisonment for 2 years. For instance, hikers were convicted of entering water at the gathering ground in Shui Lo Cho at Yi O on Lantau Island in contravention of the Ordinance, and were each fined $500. For details please refer to: http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201707/25/P2017072500415.htm. Also, a hiker was convicted of releasing animals to Tsing Tam Upper Irrigation Reservoir at Yuen Long and was fined $1,500.
To publicize against contaminating our fresh water sources, we have implemented continuous education and publicity initiatives to raise public awareness, including erection of warning signs/banners in the vicinity, distribution of leaflets, and display of posters. Moreover, we conduct regular inspections of water gathering grounds and reservoirs and take enforcement and prosecution actions.
Members of the public are advised to report any suspected violations of the Waterworks Ordinance to the WSD's 24-hour hotline at 2824 5000.