Beach Water Quality in Hong Kong 2004 | 繁體中文 | 簡體中文 |

| Introduction | The monitoring programme | Scientific procedures | Beach ranking & grading | Dealing with emergencies | Informing the public | The 2004 survey | Comparing beach rankings | Supplementary Material |


 
Introduction
 
A city of contrasts

Hong Kong's multitudes of tourists and international visitors are often surprised to discover the huge range of natural forest, coast and sea resources that Hong Kong enjoys. Local residents, however, have long been aware of their rich natural environment, and are increasingly making the most of it. In 2004, over 10 million visits were made to Hong Kong’s dozens of beaches by men, women and children wanting to swim, surf, or just sunbathe on the sand. These beaches provide a welcome and much-loved escape from Hong Kong’s sometimes stressful urban environment.

[Image of Hong Kong's Beaches]

 
The Government body responsible for monitoring the water quality of Hong Kong’s beaches is the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). The EPD first introduced a beach water quality monitoring programme 18 years ago, and since then has refined its methods to create today’s efficient, accurate and reliable monitoring system, one that takes advantage of the latest scientific and IT resources. It has also developed an effective network for passing on information to the general public.
 

The EPD’s Beach Water Quality Monitoring Programme is primarily designed to educate and inform. This doesn’t just involve providing the public with reliable and regular information about beach water quality, however. The EPD shares its expertise and resources with a wide range of interest groups, including other government departments, university departments and students, environmental groups, and many others. Without information, people cannot make informed decisions, and the role of the beach water quality monitoring programme—and of this Annual Report—is to provide everyone who needs it with the opportunity to know more about the state of Hong Kong’s beaches.

[Image of Hong Kong's Beaches are enjoyed by everyone]

 



End of Page