Water source: Director of Water Supplies Ma Lee-tak and Advisory Committee on the Quality of Water Supplies Chairman Prof Ho Kin-chung brief reporters on Hong Kong's Dongjiang water supply.

There is no need for Hong Kong to reduce its intake of Dongjiang water for now, Director of Water Supplies Ma Lee-tak says, adding the Government will instead help Guangdong fight its drought problem.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, Mr Ma said he expressed Hong Kong people's concern over the drought during a recent visit to Dongjiang.

Although the severity of the drought is similar to that in 2004, Guangdong authorities are confident they can ensure a stable drinking-water supply to Hong Kong and other cities and towns by regulating the water flow of the province's three large reservoirs.

Close liaison

Mr Ma said cutting Hong Kong's water consumption would have little effect as its intake accounts for only 3% of Dongjiang's water volume. Guangdong authorities will deal with the situation through other means.

Thanking Hong Kong for proposing to cut water intake, Guangdong officials asked the city to continue to maintain close liaison with the province and tie in with its water-supply plan. The water-intake proposal may be considered and implemented later, if necessary.

Noting the total water storage level of Hong Kong's 17 reservoirs has recently reached 480 million cubic metres, Mr Ma said it should be sufficient to meet the city's water demand until the rainy season.

Water conservation

Although there is no need to worry about water supply at the moment, people should do more to conserve water and the city should form partnerships with nearby cities in this regard, the director said.

The Water Supplies Department has introduced a water-resources management plan and has started installing water-saving devices in buildings. So far, more than 1,200 devices have been installed, which will rise to 23,000.

The department also launched the voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme in September and will enhance public education on water saving.

Advisory Committee on the Quality of Water Supplies Chairman Prof Ho Kin-chung said despite the drought and other difficulties, the province can maintain the quality of Dongjiang water supplied to Hong Kong.