Hong Kong’s rainwater catchwater system is a complex and sophisticated engineering feat designed to collect and store rainwater for future use. Currently, about one-third of Hong Kong’s land area is designated as water catchment areas to gather and harvest rainwater. Most of these catchments fall within country parks to protect water sources from contamination. Managed by the Water Supplies Department, the network spans approximately 120 km, with about 57 km built before World War II, mostly located on steep, natural hillsides. Rainwater is channeled through these catchwaters, tunnels, and aqueducts directly to reservoirs. The collected rainwater, along with surplus raw water from the Dongjiang River not immediately required for daily consumption, is temporarily stored in these reservoirs awaiting the next stage of treatment. Hong Kong’s reservoirs—comprising two mega-reservoirs constructed in marine bays alongside other traditional reservoirs—boast a total capacity of 586 million cubic meters. They serve as the vital lifeblood of the fresh and flushing water supply systems, while doubling as scenic urban backdrops where the public can enjoy leisure activities such as fishing, running, and hiking. Overall, Hong Kong’s rainwater catchwater system stands as an effective water resource management tool, securing a stable water supply while providing citizens with an ideal environment to connect with nature.
