In the current environment, Hong Kong is dedicated to advancing sustainable smart water management through innovation and technology. In line with this vision, recently, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, addressed nearly 400 professionals and government officials from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia, and beyond at the International Water Pioneers Summit to explore improved solutions.
The Chief Executive highlighted Hong Kong’s journey in overcoming geographical and resource constraints to secure a stable water supply. A pivotal milestone in this transformation was the construction of the Dongjiang water supply system, an engineering project initiated in the 1960s to address the city’s limited natural water resources.
The Dongjiang River, located more than 50 kilometres from Hong Kong, required the creation of an 83-kilometre water channel traversing multiple mountain ranges. Through a network of multistage pumping stations, water was lifted from just above sea level to higher altitudes, enabling its successful delivery to the city. This project, completed in under a year, began supplying water to Hong Kong in March, 1965.
Since then, the Dongjiang-Shenzhen Water Supply Scheme has undergone multiple expansions to meet the growing needs of Hong Kong’s population and economy. From the 1970s through the early 2000s, enhancements to the system increased the annual water supply ceiling from 68.2 million cubic metres to 820 million cubic metres – a twelvefold rise. Today, water from Dongjiang continues to account for 70 to 80 per cent of the city’s total water consumption.
Technological innovation remains central to Hong Kong’s ongoing efforts in water infrastructure development. The city has earned international recognition for its infrastructure capabilities, ranking among the top ten globally in the World Competitiveness Yearbook. Projects such as the High Island Reservoir, the largest in Hong Kong, and the Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant reflect this commitment. The desalination plant is notable for incorporating advanced reverse osmosis technology, making it the first facility in the region to adopt this method for water treatment.
Further aligning with global trends in smart infrastructure, Hong Kong has established a Digital Water Office to accelerate the digital transformation of its water supply services. This office is responsible for promoting the use of smart technologies, including digital twin models, artificial intelligence, and smart devices. The aim is to progressively automate operations across waterworks installations, thereby enhancing efficiency, monitoring, and responsiveness.
Hong Kong’s strategy positions it as a regional and international hub for infrastructure innovation. With a focus on sustainable development, the city seeks to leverage its expertise not only for local needs but also to contribute to broader national objectives. Through the integration of advanced technologies, it aims to build a resilient and secure water future that supports both economic growth and environmental stewardship.
The summit also acknowledged the extensive efforts by Mainland China in constructing water conservancy projects, underlining shared regional ambitions for water sustainability. The event served as a platform for global experts to exchange ideas, explore technological solutions, and deepen collaboration on infrastructure development.
Hong Kong’s commitment to technological innovation in water management reflects a broader strategy to build a resilient, future-proof infrastructure system. Through initiatives like the Digital Water Office and the integration of smart technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, and advanced desalination, the city is setting new benchmarks in operational efficiency and sustainability.
These advancements not only optimise water distribution and treatment but also enhance real-time monitoring and decision-making capabilities. In an era of rising global water stress, as water security becomes an increasingly critical issue worldwide, Hong Kong’s tech-driven approach positions it as a leader in urban water management and a model for other cities to follow.
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