Grading of beach water quality released

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     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (November 6) released the latest grading of water quality for nine gazetted beaches that are open for swimming in November.
   
     Eight beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and one as Fair (Grade 2).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:   
      

Big Wave Bay Beach Middle Bay Beach
Clear Water Bay Second Beach Repulse Bay Beach
Deep Water Bay Beach Silverstrand Beach
Golden Beach Stanley Main Beach

 
Grade 2 beach is:
 

Silver Mine Bay Beach  

 
     Compared with the grading released last week, Silverstrand Beach has been upgraded from Grade 2 to Grade 1.
      
     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely 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.
      
     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 EPD's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

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