The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (March 17) released the latest grading of water quality for eight gazetted beaches that are open for swimming.

     Six beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and two as Fair (Grade 2).

Grade 1 beaches are:
Big Wave Bay Beach                   Middle Bay Beach
Clear Water Bay Second Beach    Repulse Bay Beach
Deep Water Bay Beach                Stanley Main Beach

Grade 2 beaches are:
Golden Beach                             Silverstrand Beach

     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. Latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the department's websites on Beach Water Quality (www.beachwq.gov.hk or www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

     Silverstrand Beach has been upgraded to Grade 2 since its last grading (Grade 4) on March 15.

     "We observed that the temporary deterioration of water quality at Silverstrand Beach earlier this week was largely due to rainfall effect. The latest sample taken shows that the water quality of the beach has improved," an EPD spokesman said.

     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades according to the level of E coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.

     Grade 4 is assigned to beaches whose last E coli reading exceeded a threshold figure, irrespective of the geometric mean. Swimmers are advised to avoid these beaches until the water quality improves.

     People are advised not to swim at the closed beaches.

     The EPD spokesman warned that many beaches were likely to be more polluted than their grades suggested during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.

Ends/Friday, March 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 16:00

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