Grading of beach water quality released
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Six beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and two as Fair (Grade 2).
Grade 1 beaches are:
Clear Water Bay Second Beach Repulse Bay Beach
Deep Water Bay Beach Silverstrand Beach
Middle Bay Beach Stanley Main Beach
Grade 2 beaches are:
Big Wave Bay Beach Golden Beach
Compared with the grading released last week, Golden 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.
While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an 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 websites on Beach Water Quality (www.beachwq.gov.hk and www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.
Ends/Friday, March 23, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:00
Issued at HKT 17:00
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