Property owners, owners' corporations and building management agents have been awarded a total of 1, 448 certificates to recognise their proper maintenance of fresh water plumbing systems.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony of the Fresh Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme, Director of Water Supplies Ko Chan-gock said this year's result was encouraging and the number of certificates presented exceeded last year's 1,260.

Since its launch in 2002, 3,295 certificates have been awarded and about 830,000 registered accounts have benefited from the scheme through building management's value-added performance.

Scheme details   

Under the voluntary scheme, licensed plumbers or qualified building services surveyors or engineers must inspect fresh water plumbing systems and confirm them to  be in good condition once every three months. 

All defects identified in the inspections must be promptly rectified. Water tanks must be cleaned every three months and water samples taken and tested according to the recommended procedures and compliance standards at least once a year.

The certificate will remain valid for one year and can be renewed upon application, subject to consistent compliance with the prescribed requirements under the scheme.