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Gradings of beach water quality announced
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (Thursday) released its beach water quality monitoring results to inform swimmers and the general public about the water quality of the beaches in Hong Kong.
Under EPD's monitoring system, beaches are classified into four grades according to the most recent E. coli data collected.
Among the 37 beaches. 16 are found to be in "good" condition (Grade 1), 10 "fair" (Grade 2), seven "poor" (Grade 3) and four "very poor" (Grade 4).
"Grade 1" beaches include Hung Shing Yeh, Lo So Shing, Hap Mun Bay, Kiu Tsui, Cheung Sha Upper, Tong Fuk, Trio (Hebe Haven), Repulse Bay, Turtle Cove, South Bay, Chung Hom Kok, Kwun Yam Wan, Deep Water Bay, Pui O, Middle Bay and Clear Water Bay 2nd Beach.
"Grade 2" beaches include St. Stephen's, Tung Wan on Cheung Chau, Clear Water Bay 1st Beach, Hairpin, Stanley Main, Discovery Bay, Tung Wan on Ma Wan, Shek O, Silverstrand and Cheung Sha Lower.
"Grade 3" beaches include Silvermine Bay, Butterfly, Kadoorie. New Cafeteria, Gemini, Big Wave Bay and Golden Beach.
"Grade 4" beaches include Hoi Mei Wan, Lido, Old Cafeteria and Casam.
Water quality of beaches with Grade 1 to 3 are suitable for swimming.
At present, five gazetted beaches, namely Anglers', Approach, Ting Kau, Castle Peak and Rocky Bay, are closed to swimmers based on the beach water quality monitoring data for 1996.
The public are advised not to swim at the closed beaches.
The grading results are announced biweekly during the bathing season to coincide with the frequency at which beach waters are usually sampled.
Details of the beach water quality grading system are available in the "Beach Water Quality Grading" leaflet which can be obtained at Environmental Resources Centre, 221 Queen's Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong or at all EPD offices.