Excessive lead has been found in the water supply of Yan On Estate in Ma On Shan, Secretary for Transport & Housing Prof Anthony Cheung announced today.
It brings the number of estates with lead-tainted water to eight.
Of the 69 water samples collected at Yan On Estate, five exceeded the World Health Organisation lead limit. A quick test suggested the lead was from soldering materials.
Four other estates also built in 2011 passed lead checks. They are Choi Tak, Shatin Pass, Yau Lai Estate and Shin Ming Estates.
The Housing Department will next do water tests on estates built between 2005 and 2010, which involves 100 blocks.
Director of Housing Stanley Ying said the four contractors responsible for the seven affected estates announced earlier have promised to lay pipes from the rooftop to each floor.
Works in Kai Ching Estate, Kwai Luen Estate Phase two and Wing Cheong Estate will be completed from mid-August to September, while works at four other estates will start in September.
The contractors will also install water filters for the seven affected estates from mid-August to September.
Meanwhile, Hospital Authority Quality & Safety Director Dr Derrick Au reported that 12 residents of Kai Ching, Lower Ngau Tau Kok, and Wing Cheong Estates, plus Kwai Luen Estate phase two have been found to have lead levels in their blood slightly higher than the international standard.
They include nine children, two lactating mothers and a pregnant woman. A one-year-old child has the highest lead level. The children will be sent for developmental checks.
