The Development Bureau today announced that the Waterworks (Amendment) Bill 2023, designed to strengthen enforcement powers against overcharging for water, will be submitted to the Legislative Council imminently.

The bureau stressed that there is currently no provision in the Waterworks Ordinance or the Waterworks Regulations to empower the Water Authority (WA) to compel the provision of information in relation to suspected water overcharging cases.

It added that there is no provision requiring parties who charge others for using water to give or keep copies of receipts.

The bureau said it is therefore difficult for the WA to obtain sufficient evidence to prosecute those suspected of overcharging for water. It also called for increased penalties to enhance deterrence.

The amendment bill is intended to empower the WA to obtain relevant information and documents relating to cases and to mandate that parties who charge others for water use issue and keep copies of receipts.  

The bill will also make it an offence to provided false or misleading information or documents and increase the penalty for overcharging for water.

Additionally, it will empower the WA and the Rating & Valuation Department to share information obtained from investigating overcharging cases with each other.

The bureau previously briefed the Legislative Council Panel on Development on its initial proposals for a legislative amendment. It has also sought comments from stakeholders.

Stressing that the amendment bill will enhance enforcement of the law, as well as deterrence against overcharging for water, the bureau said it anticipates the proposed amendments will be of most benefit to tenants in subdivided units.

It added that the Government will fully support the council’s examination of the bill, with the hope that it can be passed and implemented as soon as possible.

The waterworks amendment bill will be gazetted on October 13 and introduced into the council for first a reading on November 1.