There are proper, full-functioning and (AFAIK) cheap desalination complexes in Singapore. HK could model theirs out of that.
Is there a possibility of a co-occupation of HK by both Britain and China? Say HK, both the New Territories and the island itself, was to be British "in perpetuity". Now as Chinese power grows it is inevitable that the Chinese would prefer to remove the vestiges of western imperialism, but as there was never a time decided it would be hard for them to ask whenever. Thus they possibly decide upon a time when a referendum could be held, and until that time hold HK in joint occupation. The government and military is shared by both the Chinese and British, etc.
Is there a possibility of a co-occupation of HK by both Britain and China? Say HK, both the New Territories and the island itself, was to be British "in perpetuity". Now as Chinese power grows it is inevitable that the Chinese would prefer to remove the vestiges of western imperialism, but as there was never a time decided it would be hard for them to ask whenever. Thus they possibly decide upon a time when a referendum could be held, and until that time hold HK in joint occupation. The government and military is shared by both the Chinese and British, etc.