Tai Tam Tuk reservoir dam in Hong Kong: historical background and site selection

Abstract

Since 1842, the Hong Kong Colonial Government has been plagued with the perennial problem of deficiency in freshwater provision for an ever-growing population. A long-term solution to this was the start of the Tai Tam Waterworks Scheme on Hong Kong Island, with the Tai Tam Tuk reservoir dam, constructed between 1912 and 1917, being its largest and latest addition. This study drew its inspiration from a field trip during which the research team encountered several peculiar brick wells at Tai Tam Harbour. Driven by curiosity to learn their actual function, the team gleaned bits and pieces of archives scattered in Hong Kong and London, followed by in-depth interviews with senior residents nearby and a field study cum diving expedition in search of the remnants associated with the dam construction. Years of extensive research have paid off and led to the unveiling of the interlocking history of the wells with the Tai Tam Tuk reservoir. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the Tai Tam Tuk reservoir dam through a reconstruction of its history and an analysis of its site investigation process. The century-old remains of ground investigation constitute an illuminating testament to Hong Kong’s waterworks for engineers to understand time-tested engineering methodology.