Marine and Water Bureau (DSAMA) officials said yesterday that following the completion of Phase I of the Coloane Reclaimed Water Station, slated to begin supplying designated areas next year, their medium-term goal is to build another reclaimed water* station on an artificial island and to complete Phase II of the Coloane Reclaimed Water Station so that reclaimed water usage will then account for 5.0 percent of Macau’s total water consumption, while their long-term goal is that reclaimed water usage will amount to 10 percent of the city’s water consumption.
The officials made the remarks during a meeting with members of the Taipa and Coloane Community Service Consultative Council at the Seac Pai Van public housing estate (石排灣社區綜合大樓) in Coloane yesterday.
Briefing reporters after yesterday’s closed-door meeting, Leong Chon Kit, a deputy convenor of the government-appointed council, noted that the reclaimed water fees will be slightly lower, compared with the tap water fees as a reference, but that the reclaimed water will have the same tariff classification as tap water (domestic, general non-domestic, and special use), adding that a tiered fee system will not be implemented, and the reclaimed water charges will be linked to the current first-tier usage fee for tap water. The payment method will be identical to that for tap water, allowing for a seamless switch without additional procedures, the statement said.
Leong also said that the implementation of the future reclaimed water system will focus on neighbourhoods with existing dual-pipe systems and new development zones, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Artificial Island, and Macau New Urban Zones A to E.
Leong added that following the completion of Phase I of the Coloane Reclaimed Water Station in the first quarter of next year, the reclaimed water supply will be directed to the University of Macau (UM) and the residential buildings in the Seac Pai Van public housing estate, including Koi Ng Bldg (居雅大廈), Lok Kuan Bldg (樂群樓) and others. On Son Bldg (安順大廈) will be temporarily excluded due to the lack of a dual-pipe system, Leong said.
* Reclaimed water refers to wastewater that has been treated and processed to remove impurities, making it suitable for various uses, such as irrigation and industrial purposes. This process helps conserve water resources by reusing water that would otherwise be discarded. It’s often used in agriculture, landscape irrigation, and sometimes for non-potable purposes in urban settings such flushing toilets.
Taipa and Coloane Community Service Consultative Council Deputy Convener Leong Chon Kit (right) and fellow member Leong Meng Ian pose during yesterday’s press briefing after the government-appointed council’s closed-door meeting at the Seac Pai Van Community Complex in Coloane. – Photo: Ida Cheong
