1. Is the treated water in Macao of good quality ?

Yes, the water that we produce complies with the European Standard for potable water and is therefore of very good quality.The Ilha Verde and Coloane water treatment plant have adopted the advanced water treatment technology from France which closely controls the treatment of raw water from chemical dosing, settling, filtering, disinfection to pumping into the network mains spread over the city. The whole process is monitored using the latest IT systems.

The Laboratory and Research Centre of Macao Water plays an important role in constantly testing the quality of raw water, treated water and water in our network to ensure that the physico-chemical, microbiological and algae contents is within our targeted level.

 

2. In Macao can we drink tap water without boiling it?

It is proved by permanent testing that the water after treatment meets the European Standard. As for the water in the network mains, the passing percentage is nearly 99 % in average, which is well above the European Union standard of 95%. Therefore, it is absolutely safe for direct drinking.

Nevertheless, our area of responsibility does not cover the pipes within the metered premises nor the roof / sump tank of the buildings, which remains the responsibility of the Building Management Company. The quality of the internal supply facilities may affect the quality of the tap water. Good internal supply facilities guarantee that tap water has the same quality as in our network, i.e. perfectly drinkable.

 

3. Sometimes the tap water has a bleaching powder smell. Why?

This is the odor of residual chlorine after the disinfection process.

Actually, the odor of residual chlorine will vanish after it has dissolved in water for about half an hour. In order to ensure that the water in all sections of the network mains meets the European Union standard, and to handicap condition of bacterial reproduction in treated water, , we may adjust the dosage of chlorine. This will sometimes result in a relatively strong odor of chlorine, but this is essential to making water drinkable.

 

4. Sometimes the tap water looks milky. Why?

In laying, maintaining and repairing water pipes, we may need to turn off the main valve in different sections of the network for some time. In consequence, air is stored in the pipe during that time. When the valve reopens, the high pressured water will carry a lot of air bubbles through the pipes to the metered premises which makes the water looks milky. This may also happen in the kettle in our kitchen. If this happens, you only need to leave the water for some time and the "milky look" will disappear by itself as the air escapes out of the water.

 

5. Is Chlorination, used for sterilization purpose, healthy for human body?

Chlorination is an effective way to eliminate bacteria and viruses. Its powerful oxidization ability can remove Iron, Manganese and Odour in water. At present time, it is an indispensable and recognized way for sterilization, used by many water companies throughout the world.

 

6. What unit of measure is used for water consumption?

The unit is the cubic meter (m3) , which is a volume of 1 meter in length, width and height. It is equal to 1000 litres. 1 cubic meter of water weighs 1 tonne or 1000 kilograms.

If you completely fill the bath tub in your home five times, the water consumed in so doing roughly equals 1 cubic meter.

 

7. In average, how much drinking water does an adult man need in one day?

The amount of water needed in one day varies with temperature, humidity and bodily activities.

It is found that every day in average an adult needs to drink about 2 litres, i.e. equivalent to 8 to 10 glasses.