HKUST (Guangzhou) and the Hong Kong Water Supplies Department (WSD) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding, combining research excellence with operational expertise to enhance drinking water safety and drive smart, innovative water management across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

The HKUST (Guangzhou) research team will focus on four priority areas: microplastics in drinking water systems, contaminant identification frameworks, advanced membrane materials for water treatment, and reservoir water quality restoration strategies. In parallel, the WSD has established a "Drinking Water Safety and Innovation Collaboration Centre." Joint initiatives include next-generation microplastic detection, precision contaminant monitoring, novel membrane development, and freshwater mussel–based bioremediation.

This cross-border partnership aligns with national innovation and GBA integration goals, capitalising on the "Hong Kong + Guangdong" synergy. Next year, Hong Kong will co-host its first local utilities summit and water expo with the International Water Association—offering a global platform to showcase the GBA's cutting-edge water safety technologies.