Macao Water Supply Company Limited Executive Director Nacky Kuan Sio Peng told reporters on Saturday that Macau’s tap water consumption so far this year has decreased by between 2.0 percent to 3.5 percent compared to the same period last year.
Kuan pointed out that the decrease in tap water consumption can be attributed to several factors. While tap water consumption in Cotai has increased due to a rise in visitor numbers, some small businesses in the Macau Peninsula have ceased operations, leading to a reduction in tap water there.
Moreover, Kuan also said that even though the number of visitors has grown, their average length of stay has shortened, which has also contributed to the overall decline in tap water demand.
Macao Water hosts 90th Anniversary Open Day
Macao Water, officially known as Macao Water Supply Company Limited, celebrated its “90th Anniversary with an Open Day at its Ilha Verde Water Treatment Plant.
The event was supported by the Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA).
According to Kuan, this year marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of Macao Water. She said that the company started with a small water treatment plant in 1935, which has gradually expanded to four large-scale, modern water treatment plants, with a current tap water supply capacity of 520,000 cubic metres per day, which was sufficient to meet Macau’s future development needs.
Kuan added that her company continues to enhance its online services and provides subsidies for the maintenance of tap water supply facilities in low-rise buildings, so far having assisted 600 buildings in completing facility improvements.
Kuan emphasised that through initiatives such as open days for school visits and social media campaigns to promote tap water supply knowledge, the company aims to help the public understand the value of water resources.
The one-day event also included an award ceremony for its drawing contest “Water·Colour” and “2025 Macau Special Olympics (MSO) Swimming Competition”.
HK-Macau ferry trips fall by 50 pct to 60 pct compared to 2019: marine chief
Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) Director Susana Wong Soi Man told reporters on Saturday that the number of sea ferry trips between Hong Kong and Macau has decreased by 50 percent to 60 percent compared to 2019.
Wong said that the decline in ferry passenger traffic was due to the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), which has become the preferred choice for most passengers travelling between Hong Kong and Macau. Wong also said that although overnight ferry services have been discontinued, the current schedule – with departures every half hour – continues to meet the demand for point-to-point travel between the two special administrative regions (SARs).
Regarding new ferry routes, Wong said that the Zhongshan route has already been launched, while passenger numbers on the Shenzhen route remain stable.
This year, according to Wong, the Wanzai-Macau ferry route has seen steady growth, with a 20 to 30 percent increase compared to 2023 and last year. This growth is primarily driven by the rising number of daily commuters living and working in Wanzai and Zhuhai, while an increase of tourists travelling on the route has been less noticeable, Wong said.
The Wanzai-Macau ferry trip takes about four minutes. An undiscounted return ticket costs 48 patacas. Macau and Zhuhai residents enjoy a 30 percent discount.
Macao Water Executive Director Nacky Kuan Sio Peng speaks to reporters at the water treatment plant in Ilha Verde on Saturday. – Photos: Armindo Neves
Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) Director Susana Wong Soi Man speaks to reporters at the water treatment plant on Saturday.
