Grading of beach water quality released
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Five beaches were rated as good (Grade 1) and four as fair (Grade 2).
Grade 1 beaches are:
| Clear Water Bay Second Beach | Repulse Bay Beach |
| Deep Water Bay Beach | Stanley Main Beach |
| Middle Bay Beach |
Grade 2 beaches are:
| Big Wave Bay Beach | Silver Mine Bay Beach |
| Golden Beach | Silverstrand Beach |
Compared with the grading released last week, Big Wave Bay Beach and Golden Beach have been changed from Grade 1 to Grade 2.
"The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beaches," the 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.
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. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the department's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.
Ends/Friday, March 22, 2019
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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