Hong Kong will implement a water management program to protect water resources and explore new sources, the Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works Mak Chai-kwong said Sunday.

Mak said that measures currently being carried out under the program included management and protection of water gathering grounds; the pilot desalination plant study; the pilot scheme on the use of reclaimed water; and public education and promotional activities to encourage members of the public to conserve water and protect water resources.

Officiating at the 2006 World Water Monitoring Ceremony, Mak said that the ceremony helped convey a very important message: " We need to join hands to protect the precious water resources. Without water there will be no life. Our community cannot develop in a sustainable manner without clean drinking water."

The ceremony is a prelude to World Water Monitoring Day, which is set on October 18 every year, initiated by the America's Clean Water Foundation in 2002 with a view to promoting public awareness and participation in the protection of world water resources and quality.

"We should be grateful for being able to get clean drinking water at a low price by simply turning on the water taps, and we should disseminate the save water message to all those around us," said Mak.

(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2006)