URA Press Statement

With regard to the water samples collected arbitrarily by a newspaper from two residential units (Flat 15B at H2 and Flat 2E at L1) at the Kai Tak development of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) which purported to show lead content near or above the acceptable level, the URA has commissioned an accredited laboratory to collect water samples from the two concerned residential units on 18 January 2016 for water sampling test in accordance to the procedures set out by the Water Supplies Department (WSD) in order to address public concerns.

The water samples were collected and tested by the same accredited laboratory previously commissioned by the URA.  The test results showed that lead levels in the water samples collected from both units are less than one microgram per litre, which is well within the standard of 10 micrograms per litre set out in the WSD Circular Letter No 1/2015.

The latest test results are consistent with the water sampling tests conducted in November 2015 on the 32 water samples collected from the URA's Kai Tak Development. The test results at the time showed lead levels in all 32 water samples of less than one microgram per litre. The test results were submitted to the WSD for approval and record with the Certificate Regarding Water Supply Availability issued on 23 November 2015.

The URA attaches great importance to the water sampling tests of its Kai Tak development. The Authority reiterates that lead-free silver brazing is adopted in the Kai Tak development and that the WSD had examined 33 solder joints in the project with none being found with lead content.

(ENDS)