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Scheme for Installation of Separate Water Meters for Subdivided Units in Residential Premises

The Basic Housing Units Ordinance (The Ordinance) (Cap. 658) seeks to introduce a regulatory regime for the letting of subdivided units (SDUs) of domestic buildings or of the domestic parts of composite buildings.  Under the Basic Housing Unit (BHU) regulatory regime, SDUs of residential buildings have to comply with minimum standards of living conditions and obtain BHU recognition before they can be legally let out for habitation.  This aims to ensure the provision of safe, hygienic and reasonable living conditions in SDUs.  One of the minimum standards is that each SDU must be installed with designated separate water meter provided by Water Supplies Department (WSD).

To facilitate the installation of water meters for SDUs in which separate plumbing systems are already in place, WSD has launched a self-certification scheme by licensed plumbers to streamline the processing of application.

Note 1: This scheme is updated from the Scheme for Installation of Separate Water Meters for Subdivided Units launched since 2023. The waiver for water deposits and meter provision fees under the original scheme has been terminated

Application Eligibility

Application Procedures

Relevant Information for the Scheme

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• Application Eligibility

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  The scheme targets at SDUs meeting the following criteria:

  • The applicant should be the landlord of the premises or other person who is responsible for management of the premises;  
  • The premises is split into two or more units; 
  • The premises is in domestic building or domestic parts of composite building; and
  • There are separate plumbing systems for each SDU.
• Application Procedures

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  Under the self-certification scheme, the applicants shall appoint a licened plumbers (LPs) who is eligible for self-certification of the installation of separate water meters for SDUs (the eligible LPs). The information of the eligible LPs can be obtained via List of eligible LPs for Self-Certification Scheme for Installation of Separate Water Meters for SDUs.

  (Note: Any person accessing the list of licensed plumbers should not use the personal data therein for any purpose other than that specified above. Any improper use of the personal data therein may constitute contravention of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. By accessing or viewing the list through the above link, you acknlowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted these conditions.) 

  Applicants may consult eligible LPs regarding whether the project involves plumbing work requiring approval from the Water Authority, and apply according to the following procedure based on the specific circumstances:

  Scenario (A) - Plumbing work includes installation of separate water meters and other plumbing work^＊. 
  Scenario (B) - Plumibng work only includes installation of separate water meters. 
  ^＊Except the works of a minor nature according to the Waterworks Ordinance. 

  Scenario (A)

  1. Appoint an eligible LP to work out proposals that are technically feasible. 
  2. With the assistance of the eligible LP, submit Form WWO 542 and the relevant plumbing drawings to the Water Authority for approval. 
  3, After obtaining written permission from the Water Authority, the eligible LP shall apply for any carry out the plumbing works. 
  4. Upon completion of the plumbing works, submit the completed Form WWO 1156A and relevant documents to the WSD. 
  {Sample of Installation of Separate Water Meters}
  5. After approval by the Water Authority, the eligible LP shall collect and installt the water meters.
  6. After completion of the installation, obtain a Certificate of Completion from the Water Authority, 

  Scenario (B)

  1. Appoint an elibigle LP to work out proposals that are technically feasible. 
  2. Submit the completed Form WWO 1156A and relevant documents to the WSD.
  3. After approval by the Water Authority, the eligible LP shall collect and install the water meters. 
  4. After completion of the installation, obtain a Certificate of Completion from the Water Authority. 

  Note 2: If the applicant chooses not to join the scheme, the WSD will process the application following the prevailing procedures.

• Relevant Information for the Scheme

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  For more details of the Amendment of Waterworks Regulations related to Landlords Recovering Tenants for Water Charge (applicable to SDUs), please refer to the web sites below:-

  • Amendment of Waterworks Regulations related to Landlords Recovering Tenants for Water Charge

  For details of the general application of installation of separate water meter in non-SDUs, please refer to the web sites below:-

  • General Application of Installation of Separate Water Meter

  For Basic Housing Unit regulatory regime, please refer to the web sites below:- 

  • Basic Housing Unit Regulatory Regime