Can I drink the tap water?
How good is the tap water in Hong Kong, Hong Kong ?
All in all, 13% of folks here drink from the tap.
How good is the tap water in all of Hong Kong?
All in all, 11% of folks here drink from the tap.
Can you drink the tap water in Hong Kong then?
What residents and travelers say
Experiences of tap water in Hong Kong vary widely among residents and visitors. Many locals acknowledge that while the water supplied by the government is generally safe according to official standards, the taste can be off-putting to some due to chlorine and mineral content. This has led a considerable number of households in certain neighborhoods or buildings to use water filters or rely on bottled water. Some people report their buildings have older plumbing systems that might affect water taste or quality, causing additional concerns about tap water safety. On the other hand, many residents drink tap water regularly without any issues, especially in newer apartments with well-maintained infrastructure. Travelers often prefer bottled water or filtered water to avoid any potential discomfort, especially if they have sensitive stomachs. Water refill stations and filtered water pitchers are increasingly common in local homes and offices, demonstrating a cautious but practical approach to tap water consumption.
- Taste: Chlorine and mineral content impact flavor; varies by building age and plumbing.
- Filter habits: Many households install filters, especially in older buildings.
- Refill norms: Using refill stations or filtered pitchers is common to improve taste.
- Local caveats: Some neighborhoods report occasional issues due to infrastructure; confirms variability.
- Traveler approach: Bottled or filtered water preferred to avoid stomach upset.
For the most accurate and updated information, visitors and residents should check the Hong Kong Water Supplies Department website and consider official advisories from the Department of Health. Live updates and water quality data can also be accessed via the Hong Kong Water Supplies Department Twitter and the Hong Kong Government Public Data Portal.
Further reading on tap water in Hong Kong
To verify the current tap-water quality and any advisories in Hong Kong, visit the official website of the Water Supplies Department (WSD), which regularly publishes water quality reports and updates on water safety. Additionally, the Department of Health provides public health advisories concerning water quality. For real-time updates, check official social media channels such as the Water Supplies Department's Twitter account or consult the Hong Kong government's public data dashboards. These authoritative sources ensure you receive accurate and timely information about your tap water safety.
- https://www.wsd.gov.hk" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hong Kong Water Supplies Department (WSD)
- https://www.dh.gov.hk" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hong Kong Department of Health
- https://twitter.com/watersupplieshk" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hong Kong Water Supplies Department Twitter
- https://data.gov.hk/en-data/dataset/hk-water-quality" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Hong Kong Government Public Data Portal