The risk of water in public housing estates built before 2005 being tainted with lead is low.
Secretary for Transport & Housing Prof Anthony Cheung made the statement today, saying 370 samples taken from 17 of these estates have met the World Health Organisation’s standard for lead content.
He was speaking to reporters after attending a meeting of the Housing Authority’s Strategic Planning Committee.
He said water tests at estates completed in 2005 and after have been completed, covering 46 estates.
Ninety-one of the 4,740 samples taken from these estates failed the WHO level, accounting for 0.2% of the total.
The four main contractors involved in the lead issue have submitted to the Housing Authority packages for replacing substandard water pipes.
The Housing Department and Water Supplies Department are studying the proposals.
