Arup is advancing Hong Kong’s water infrastructure resilience with the commencement of construction on the Ngau Tam Mei Water Treatment Works (NTM WTW) Extension, a major public infrastructure project supporting the development of the Northern Metropolis. Appointed by the Water Supplies Department (WSD) of the HKSAR Government, Arup is providing end-to-end technical services covering design, construction supervision, and future capacity expansion.
Construction of the extension is scheduled to begin in October, following the successful completion of design development, tendering, and funding approval for Package One works. A dedicated resident site team has been deployed by Arup to oversee construction activities, while parallel design work continues for a further expansion phase that will ultimately increase the facility’s capacity to 640,000 cubic metres per day.
Expanding Treatment Capacity to Support Urban Growth
Targeted for completion by 2030, the project will significantly increase the Ngau Tam Mei Water Treatment Works’ treatment capacity from 230,000 m³/day to 440,000 m³/day, ensuring a reliable, resilient, and sustainable water supply to support long-term population and economic growth in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis.
Key Infrastructure Works and System Upgrades
The scope of the Ngau Tam Mei WTW Extension includes:
- Construction of new water treatment facilities within the existing site
- Installation of approximately 8 kilometres of freshwater trunk mains to Tan Kwai Tsuen in Yuen Long
- Development of a 0.6-kilometre tunnel for raw water mains and associated chambers
- Extension of the Ngau Tam Mei Fresh Water Primary Service Reservoir, adding 54,000 m³ of storage capacity
These upgrades will strengthen water distribution reliability and improve system resilience across the region.
Smart Water Technologies and Sustainability Integration
To enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, Arup is integrating advanced water treatment technologies that optimise land use, improve energy efficiency, and enhance process performance. These measures are designed to reduce operational costs and lower carbon emissions throughout the asset lifecycle.
In line with the WSD’s Smart Water Strategy, the project also incorporates digital twin technology for both the existing and expanded treatment works. This enables real-time performance monitoring, predictive maintenance, and scenario-based operational planning, supporting data-driven decision-making and long-term asset optimisation.
A Strategic Investment in Sustainable Water Infrastructure
The Ngau Tam Mei Water Treatment Works Extension represents a critical investment in smart, sustainable, and future-ready infrastructure. Through this project, Arup is helping reinforce Hong Kong’s water security, enabling continued urban development while safeguarding reliable water supply for generations to come.
