Grading of beach water quality released

 

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (March 23) released the latest grading of water quality of 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: 

Clear Water Bay Second Beach
Deep Water Bay Beach
Middle Bay Beach

Repulse Bay Beach
Silverstrand Beach
Stanley Main Beach

Grade 2 beaches are: 

Big Wave Bay Beach

Golden Beach

Compared with the grading released last week, Golden Beach has 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. 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.

 


Ends/Friday, March 23, 2018

 

 

 

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