Hong Kong mini drought lifts veil on some of its oldest reservoirs, turn-of-the-century waterworks and heritage buildings
Tai Tam reservoirs in the south of Hong Kong Island were built from the 1880s onwards and are a reminder of water shortages the city once faced. The walk around the reservoirs is easy and highlights the skill of the Victorian engineers
With the record May heatwave in Hong Kong, and the driest start to the year since 1963, this year may serve as a wake-up call regarding the importance of the city’s reservoirs, and a moment to recognise the tremendous engineering feats that created them.
For insights, and an enjoyable, easy outing, head to the Tai Tam valley on Hong Kong Island, where four reservoirs were built more than a century ago.
On a comfortable day, the most scenic route into the Tai Tam valley is surely along the Hong Kong Trail from beside Parkview – up and over Jardine’s Lookout and neighbouring Mount Parker, then down a slender access road. But when the weather is roasting, it' s far easier to just walk down the access road that also starts by Parkview.
Almost immediately, the only building in sight is Parkview. The broad valley is within Tai Tam Country Park, which occupies a fifth the area of Hong Kong Island, yet is akin to a secret place.
The road arrives by the southern shore of Tai Tam Upper Reservoir, amid the lush green hillsides.
The water level of the reservoir is low, exposing the shore of orange sand and rocks; on 1 June the Water Supplies Department reported it was at just 31 per cent of capacity.
