1st October 2026 – (Hong Kong) A woman who has lived in Hong Kong for 12 years reported receiving a water bill of HK$13,895.20 together with a Water Supplies Department notice flagging “substantial consumption” and a possible leak, despite no visible signs of seepage at home. After seeking advice online, she engaged a licensed plumber who found the fault on a section of the incoming supply pipe before the water reached the premises, with the leakage believed to have persisted for about a month. The repair was described as minor, converting the external stretch to an exposed pipe to stop the loss, and the resident was advised she could apply for a reduction, although approval and any amount refunded are not guaranteed.
The Water Supplies Department advises households to shut off all taps and water‑using appliances and, after 10 minutes, observe whether the lowest digit on the meter continues to move; if it does, an internal leak may be present. In such cases, users should close the stop valve next to the meter immediately to prevent further waste and promptly arrange repairs by a licensed plumber. The department notes that under the Waterworks Ordinance (Cap. 102), registered users are responsible for maintaining their internal supply systems and for all consumption recorded by the meter, but customers who are billed every four months may apply for a reduction of water and sewage charges arising from undetected internal leaks. Applications are assessed case by case, including whether the leak was not due to the user’s negligence, could not reasonably have been discovered and was repaired within a reasonable time.
Officials add that inaccurate meters are uncommon, yet customers who doubt a meter’s accuracy may request a self‑paid test through a customer enquiry centre or online channels. If a defect is confirmed, the test fee will be refunded and the affected bill adjusted accordingly.
