Hong Kong water advisory panel inspects Guangdong supply system
The Water Advisory Committee began a two-day visit to Guangdong on 4 November to inspect the Dongjiang water supply system and learn about recent developments. The delegation visited the Pearl River Delta water allocation project and water quality monitoring facilities.
The Water Advisory Committee (WAC) delegation set off on the morning of Thursday, 4 November for a two-day trip to Guangdong province to inspect the Dongjiang River water supply system and learn about the latest developments concerning water supplied to Hong Kong.
The delegation first visited the Gaoshasha Reservoir in Guangzhou's Nansha district to inspect the Pearl River Delta water resources allocation project. The project, which was commissioned in 2024, diverts water from the Xi River to the eastern part of the delta, providing a new water source for Nansha, Shenzhen and Dongguan. The committee members were pleased to learn that the project helps relieve demand on the Dongjiang River from cities along its course and could also provide emergency backup water for Hong Kong, enhancing water supply security and optimising resource allocation across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
In the afternoon, the delegation travelled to a greenway along the Dongjiang River in Huizhou to inspect the quality of water destined for Hong Kong and hear from Guangdong authorities about various water protection measures. The delegation then visited the Dongjiang River basin water quantity and quality monitoring centre in Huizhou, where they learned how an advanced smart platform enables real-time monitoring of supply facilities and stringent surveillance of water quality along the river. Members said the smart platform had improved operational efficiency and emergency response capability, providing greater assurance of stability and safety for the Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong.
The delegation will continue its visit on Friday, 5 November, inspecting the Dongjiang water intake point for Hong Kong and several core operational sites downstream in Dongguan, as well as meeting local officials. The trip is scheduled to conclude that afternoon.
The WAC's terms of reference are to advise the Hong Kong government through the Director of Water Supplies on water resources, network management, regulation of internal water supply systems, water conservation and other supply operations. Its members include academics, environmentalists, professionals, industry representatives and officials from relevant government bureaux and departments.