The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (January 31) released the latest grading of water quality for four gazetted beaches that are open all year round for swimming (see Note).
  
     Three beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and one as Fair (Grade 2).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:
Clear Water Bay Second Beach
Deep Water Bay Beach
Golden Beach
 
Grade 2 beach is:
Silverstrand Beach
 
     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, comprising Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), 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.
 
     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 EPD's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.
 
Note: To tie in with the response level indicated under the "Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance", which has been raised to the Emergency Response Level, and to prevent people from gathering, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced on January 28 that all beaches have been temporarily closed from January 29 until further notice.

Ends/Friday, January 31, 2020
Issued at HKT 16:00

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