Sheung Shui residents sound alarm on stench of reclaimed water

A number of residents in Sheung Shui voiced their frustrations regarding the reclaimed water used for flushing, complaining about the unpleasant odors and issues stemming from the blue dye mixed in the water.

Concerns were brought to light following the commencement of operations at the Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works (SWHSTW) last March. The facility provides reclaimed water to three schools and four housing estates in the area.

Residents of Yuk Po Court noted that apart from the fishy and foul odor, the blue-colored reclaimed water has also been causing toilet seats to become stained from splashes.

Some also pointed out that the dye made it challenging for the elderly to monitor their health since they couldn’t easily distinguish the color of their stool.

The addition of blue dye serves to assist the public in distinguishing reclaimed water from freshwater, thereby mitigating the risks of pipe misconnections or misuse, as stated by the authorities.

Lau Chun-hoi, the North District councilor, supported the reclaimed water plan as a sustainable development solution while acknowledging the residents’ concerns.

He suggested reconsidering blue dye usage and cited Singapore’s colorless reclaimed water as an example.

In response, the Water Supplies Department confirmed receiving a small number of opinions from the public about the issues of the blue-colored reclaimed water, emphasizing that the dye would not stain the toilet.

It added that the department received no additional inquiries or complaints about the reclaimed water since last November.