Progress of water pollution control in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's wastewater collection and treatment systems did not keep the pace with population growth and economic development in the past. The discharge of wastewater from domestic and industrial sources led to the deterioration of aquatic and marine ecological systems, the closure of beaches, the occurrence of red tides, and the bioaccumulation and contamination of seafood. Similar to other major cities in the world, Hong Kong has been working diligently to improve her water quality. The enactment of the Water Pollution Control Ordinance was a sign of the beginning of the fight on water pollution. In 1986, a flexible environmental management master plan was designed, and implemented over the following two decades. Currently, of the 2.6 million cubic meters of wastewater generated each day in Hong Kong, 98% receives suitable treatment. The deterioration in the quality of aquatic environments in the territory has been effectively controlled. Copyright © 2008 Taylor & Francis.