The reservoir was created by draining a sea inlet and replacing the saltwater with freshwater, a process requiring large-scale desalination of the remaining trapped water.
The dam is one of the longest in Hong Kong, creating a distinctive straight-line path across a bay.
During its construction in the 1960s, it was considered one of the most ambitious engineering feats in the British Commonwealth.
The reservoir has a total storage capacity of approximately 230 million cubic meters.
The area is a key site for studying ecological transition due to the artificial conversion of a marine habitat into a freshwater ecosystem.
Plover Cove Reservoir Dam is a 2-kilometer-long dual-purpose structure serving as both a dam and a roadway that separates the Plover Cove Reservoir from Tolo Harbour. It is recognized as the world's first major reservoir constructed by damming an arm of the ocean. The reservoir itself is the second-largest in Hong Kong by surface area and the largest by volume. The dam provides a flat, paved surface extensively used for cycling, jogging, and walking. It acts as a primary link between the Tai Mei Tuk area and the mountainous landscape of the Plover Cove Country Park. The water contained within is treated for public consumption throughout Hong Kong.
The midpoint of the dam looking toward the sunset over the reservoir water surface.
Bring ample water and sun protection, as the dam is fully exposed with no natural shade.
Check wind conditions beforehand, as the elevated, open position of the dam can result in strong gusts.
Rent a bicycle in the nearby Tai Mei Tuk village to traverse the length of the dam more efficiently.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter of the reservoir, which is significantly longer than the dam itself.
Stay within designated pathways to ensure safety; respect cyclists if walking; carry out all trash as there are no bins on the dam structure.
