Grading of beach water quality released

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (November 16) released the latest grading of water quality of nine gazetted beaches. Other beaches have been closed to swimmers from November 1 for the winter season.  
        
     Eight beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and one as Fair (Grade 2).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:

 
Grade 2 beach is:

 
* Big Wave Bay Beach, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Deep Water Bay Beach, Middle Bay Beach and Stanley Main Beach remain closed until further notice due to the severe damage brought about by typhoon Mangkhut earlier. 
 
     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.
      
     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.