The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (March 1) released the latest grading of water quality of nine gazetted beaches that are open for swimming, including four that are open to swimmers all year round and five others that are open for swimming since March 1.

Eight beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and one 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	Silver Mine Bay Beach
Golden Beach	Stanley Main Beach

Grade 2 beach is:

Silverstrand Beach

     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.

     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.

     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.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

Ends/Friday, March 1, 2019
Issued at HKT 11:00

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