Grading of beach water quality released

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (November 8) released the latest grading of water quality for eight gazetted beaches that are open for swimming. Other beaches have been closed to swimmers from November 1 for the winter season. 
   
     Six beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and two as Fair (Grade 2).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:      
   

 
Grade 2 beaches are:
 

 
     Compared with the grading released last week, Silverstrand 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," an EPD spokesman said.
      
     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, the 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 department's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.