Talk of the town : Water supplies in Hong Kong
【明報專訊】Hong Kong heavily depends on the Dongjiang(東江) in Guangdong Province as its primary water source, accounting for over half of the region's water supply. This river plays a vital role in meeting Hong Kong's freshwater needs through an extensive long-distance water supply system. In addition to the Dongjiang supply, Hong Kong utilizes a network of reservoirs and desalination plants to augment its water resources.
Water quality
The water in Hong Kong undergoes rigorous treatment processes, including coagulation(絮凝), sedimentation(沉澱), filtration(過濾), and disinfection(消毒), to ensure that the drinking water provided to citizens meets the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards. While the treated water is of high quality, the condition of a building's inside plumbing can sometimes affect drinking water quality.
To address this concern, many authorities recommend boiling tap water before consumption as the most reliable method to eliminate disease-causing germs such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Tariff Structure of Hong Kong
The supplier of water in Hong Kong is the Water Supplies Department. The water charge for a household is mainly based on a tariff structure. As more water is used, the prices will increase progressively. This structure is designed to discourage excessive and unnecessary water use.
By understanding the tariff structure and using water efficiently, we can all make our city become more sustainable and eco-friendly.
■Grammar booster
Idiom about ''water''
Dead in the water
Describes a plan or idea that is unlikely to be successful.
E.g. The restaurant owners have proposed several plans to boost sales, but the plans are considered to be dead in the water.
■Gear up
(Answer on next text)
1. As more water is used, the prices will increase progressively.(True/False)
Fill in the blanks with the glossary below:
2. The story became _______ more exciting as we read each chapter.
3. The scientist followed a _______ process to make sure the experiment was safe.
■Glossary
utilize (v) 利用
rigorous (adj) 嚴格的
parasite (n) 寄生蟲
progressively (adv) 逐漸地
■ (Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第418期]
Spot the flaws : Archive vs. achieve
【明報專訊】Dr. Panda is giving a speech at the school. Everyone is listenin... 詳情
