Grading of beach water quality released

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (February 28) released the latest grading of water quality for four gazetted beaches that are open all year round for swimming (see Note).     
  
     Four beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1).
 
Grade 1 beaches are: 
Clear Water Bay Second Beach
Deep Water Bay Beach 
Golden Beach
Silverstrand Beach
 
     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.
 
     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.
 
Note: To tie in with the response level under the "Preparedness and Response Plan for Novel Infectious Disease of Public Health Significance" having been raised to the Emergency Response Level and to encourage people to avoid gathering, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced that all beaches will continue to be temporarily closed until further notice.