Hong Kong water safety scandal: what happened and how to protect yourself
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The Post unpacks the water safety concerns behind the saga and how people can protect themselves.
1. What's the scandal about?
Residents at two public rental and subsidised estates in Fanling first reported the presence of black particles in their drinking water on Friday last week, prompting some to buy bottled water as speculation mounted over the source of the mysterious dark specks.
Government test results on Thursday confirmed that the particles found in the freshwater supply at Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court in Fanling were bitumen, a substance produced through the distillation of crude oil and known for its waterproofing and adhesive properties.
It has been banned from use in water pipes since 2005, but authorities have stressed that the water remains safe to consume.
A resident at Queens Hill Estate in Fanling buys bottled water following concerns over water safety. Photo: Nora Tam
The latest tests showed the bitumen was found to be mixed with resin, a thick substance typically produced by plants.
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