Drainage Services Department

Drainage Services Department logo

Drainage Services Department

The Drainage Services Department (DSD) is a government department in Hong Kong responsible for the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the drainage and sewage systems in the region. The department plays a crucial role in managing stormwater and wastewater to protect the public and the environment.

History

The Drainage Services Department was established in 1989, following the reorganization of the Public Works Department. The creation of the DSD was part of the government's efforts to improve the management of Hong Kong's drainage and sewage systems, which were facing increasing pressure due to rapid urban development and population growth.

Functions

The DSD is responsible for several key functions, including:

• **Stormwater Drainage**: The department designs, constructs, and maintains stormwater drainage systems to prevent flooding and manage rainwater runoff. This includes the construction of drainage channels, retention ponds, and other flood control measures.
• **Sewage Treatment**: The DSD operates and maintains sewage treatment facilities to ensure that wastewater is treated to meet environmental standards before being discharged into the sea. This includes the management of sewage treatment plants and the implementation of advanced treatment technologies.
• **Sewerage Systems**: The department is responsible for the planning, design, and maintenance of sewerage systems that collect and transport wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries to treatment facilities.
• **Flood Prevention**: The DSD implements various flood prevention projects, such as the construction of flood storage reservoirs and the upgrading of existing drainage infrastructure to cope with extreme weather events.

Major Projects

The DSD has undertaken several major projects to enhance Hong Kong's drainage and sewage systems, including:

• **Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS)**: A multi-stage project aimed at improving the water quality of Victoria Harbour by upgrading the sewage treatment facilities and expanding the sewerage network.
• **Kai Tak River Improvement Works**: A project to improve the drainage capacity of the Kai Tak River, reducing the risk of flooding in the surrounding areas.
• **Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme**: An innovative project that involves the construction of an underground stormwater storage tank to alleviate flooding in the Happy Valley area.

Organizational Structure

The DSD is headed by the Director of Drainage Services, who oversees several divisions, including:

• **Operations and Maintenance Division**: Responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of drainage and sewage systems.
• **Projects and Development Division**: Handles the planning, design, and construction of new drainage and sewage infrastructure.
• **Technical Services Division**: Provides technical support and expertise in areas such as hydraulic modeling, environmental impact assessment, and research and development.

Public Engagement

The DSD actively engages with the public through various initiatives, including educational programs, community outreach, and public consultations. The department also collaborates with other government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations to share knowledge and best practices in drainage and sewage management.

See Also

• Water supply and sanitation in Hong Kong
• Environmental Protection Department
• Civil Engineering and Development Department
• Hong Kong Observatory