Largest Lakes in Hong Kong: Reservoirs, Not Natural Lakes

Hong Kong has no large natural lakes. Its freshwater supply relies on a system of reservoirs built since the late 19th century. The largest by capacity:

Major Reservoirs

1. Plover Cove Reservoir – 230 million m³ (world's first "reservoir in the sea," created by damming a coastal inlet)
2. High Island Reservoir – 273 million m³ (largest by volume; Sai Kung Peninsula)
3. Shek Pik Reservoir – 24.5 million m³ (Lantau Island)
4. Tai Lam Chung Reservoir – 20.5 million m³ (New Territories)
5. Lower Shing Mun Reservoir – 4.3 million m³ (Sha Tin)

Context

Hong Kong's steep terrain, small land area (1,114 km²), and high population density (7.5M) make natural lakes rare. Reservoirs, fed by rainfall and Dongjiang River imports (Guangdong), supply ~80% of freshwater. Country parks protect catchment areas.