A total of 1,448 certificates were awarded to property owners, owners' corporations and building management agents today (August 3) by the Water Supplies Department (WSD) in recognition of their proper maintenance of fresh water plumbing systems.
Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony of the Fresh Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme, the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Ko Chan-gock, said the department had strived to provide a stable and reliable water supply to the public and to enhance the confidence of the public and visitors in the quality of water supply in Hong Kong.
Noting that the result of the scheme this year had been encouraging and exceeded the 1,260 certificates presented last year, Mr Ko appealed to members of the public to pay special attention to the water quality and conduct regular maintenance and cleaning of the supply system in their buildings, including water pipes and storage tanks.
Since its launch in July 2002, the Fresh Water Plumbing Quality Maintenance Recognition Scheme managed by the WSD has been well received.
So far, 3,295 certificates have been awarded and about 830,000 registered accounts have benefited from the scheme through the value-added performance of building management in keeping good fresh water quality throughout the plumbing systems.
The voluntary scheme aims to encourage property owners, owners' corporations and management agents to carry out regular maintenance of fresh water plumbing systems of the premises. Under the scheme, fresh water plumbing systems are required to be inspected and confirmed to be in good condition once every three months by licensed plumbers or qualified building services surveyors or engineers.
All defects identified in the inspections should be promptly rectified. In addition, the water tanks are to 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.
Details of the scheme and application procedures are available on the WSD's website http://www.wsd.gov.hk. Information can also be obtained from the department's 24-hour enquiry hotline: 2824 5000.
Ends/Wednesday, August 3, 2005
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