The High Island Reservoir set a first in many areas, including being the first large-scale reservoir in the world built from sealing off the coast with large dams, the deepest reservoir with the greatest storage capacity (about 60 billion gallons) in the territory, the most expensive public works project in the territory in the 70s (completed in 1978 at the cost of $1.35 billion), the first public works project undertaken by the government that required the re-delineation of local administrative districts owing to project needs (the Southern District Office in the New Territories was split up into the Sai Kung District Office and the Islands District Office as a result of the need to relocate the residents) and the largest country park in Hong Kong.
 

          Hong Kong suffered recurring drought years in the 50s and 60s. There was inadequate fresh water supply to meet daily personal need, let alone the need of the territories' rapid industrial and commercial growth. For this reason, after the completion of the Plover Cove, the government initiated the construction of a new reservoir in 1971 in Leung Shuen Wan. In the course of construction, 2 major dams and 3 subsidiary dams were built in the sea to connect the shore. The former was surrounded and protected by 7 000 pieces of concrete forms - called the "dolosses" (each weighing 25 000 kilogrammes). After the dams were constructed, seawater was pumped away, the reservoir bed was deepened, rainwater was channelled to flush through the reservoir for many times and supporting drainage facilities were installed. In November 1978, the High Island Reservoir was eventually completed.

          The building of the High Island Reservoir had caused about 10 villages, namely Lan Nai Wan, Pak Tam Chung and Sha Tsui, etc., to submerge in water or to fall within the catchment area of the Reservoir. The scenery is changed forever and the past can only be found in memories or photos. But the natural beauty of the Reservoir and its vicinity area is unaffected by human construction. In the country park area where the reservoir is located, hills rise up all around, the lake-like reservoir spreads out to the horizon and lush green vegetation covers the landscape. What a beautiful scenic sight! On a visit to the area, you will be touched by its magnificence. And it is certainly a spontaneous action and a great pleasure calling out loud to the sea on the spot.