Long-Term Resilience of Underground Water Networks in Coastal Megacities: A Hong Kong Case Study on Corrosion, Climate, and Material Degradation

This study examines water mains management in Hong Kong, focusing on corrosion, leakage, and pipeline failure in dense urban environments. A risk-based improvement programme was introduced, incorporating pipeline material assessment, incident history, and environmental parameters to prioritize systematic replacement and rehabilitation. The impact of climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and salinity on corrosion rates is analyzed, highlighting the importance of environmental resilience strategies. Infrastructure enhancement initiatives, including post-maintenance concrete treatment and trenchless technologies, are discussed for their roles in service life extension and community disruption minimization. Strategic approaches such as seawater desalination and large-scale stormwater infrastructure development are evaluated to improve operational robustness against climate change. Findings emphasize the necessity of adaptive management frameworks integrating risk assessment, construction quality control, and public engagement to maintain water supply reliability under urban and environmental constraints.