The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (November 24) 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.
 
     Seven beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and one as Fair (Grade 2).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:           
 

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

 
Grade 2 beach is:
 

Big Wave Bay Beach

 
     Compared with the grading released last week, Big Wave Bay 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," the EPD spokesman said.
 
     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.
 
     The EPD spokesman also warned that beaches were likely to 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 websites on Beach Water Quality (www.beachwq.gov.hk and www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

Ends/Friday, November 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 15:00

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