Currently, the Government funds the cost of all sewerage assets in full and aims to recover only the maintenance and operating costs of public sewage services through the sewage charging scheme. The charges are based on the volume of fresh water supplied as read from water meters, other than fresh water supplied specifically for flushing. In line with the practice for water charges, households who consume 12 cubic metres of water or less in each of the four-month billing period are exempted from sewage charges. A separate item for the sewage charges is included in the water bill for each water account holder.
Charges are modest.
Furthermore, the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance Scheme also includes an allowance to pay the sewage charges for the low-income groups. Customers who can produce evidence that their effluent is lower than the assigned strength may apply for a reduced trade effluent surcharge. At present, about 2.35 million cubic metres of wastewater flow through our sewerage system every day. A substantial portion of which receives preliminary treatment only, and therefore contaminates our harbour and the beaches, affects marine life in the sea and puts public health at risk. Proper sewerage is essential if Hong Kong is to stop this serious pollution problem.