The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (February 9) released the latest grading of water quality for four gazetted beaches which are open all year round for swimming.

     Three beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and one as Fair (Grade 2).

Grade 1 beaches are:       

Clear Water Bay Second Beach
Deep Water Bay Beach
Silverstrand Beach

Grade 2 beach is:

Golden Beach

     Compared with the grading released last week, there was no change in the grading for these beaches.

     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 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, February 9, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:50

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