Beach Water Quality in Hong Kong 2003

Beach Water Quality Report 2003


	Besides being an important resource for swimmers and beach users in Hong Kong, the specialised information of the EPD's beach water monitoring programme is also used by other Government Departments and public bodies as a first step in proactive efforts to improve Hong Kong's beach environments. The EPD itself plays a part in this kind of proactive work, for example by tracking down and taking action against beach polluters whose activities are affecting water quality and safety. It also closely monitors sewage treatment plants located close to beaches to make sure they are properly operated and maintained, and conducts regular surveillance and environmental awareness programmes to encourage homeowners near beaches to protect the environment. [Image of Keeping track of potential sources of pollution]

	The information gathered and analysed by the EPD is regularly used by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Government department responsible for managing and maintaining gazetted beaches. For example, when a beach consistently achieves an annual ranking of Very Poor, indicating ingrained long-term water quality problems, the EPD will advise that the beach should be closed until significant improvement has been recorded. In some cases, on the basis of its monitoring programme, the EPD is able to advise other Government Departments on whether remedial actions should be taken to improve conditions at beaches. In the longer term, the EPD's monitoring programme highlights ongoing trends in water quality that help authorities gauge the effectiveness of anti-pollution measures, and plan strategies for enhancing beach water quality. [Image of Sewerage infrastructure: removing a threat to beach water quality]

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Last revision date: 16 April 2004