Five beaches across Hong Kong have been graded poor over the past weekend by the Environmental Protection Department.
Lower Cheung Sha had been named along with two beaches in the Tuen Mun District and another two in Tsuen Wan.
Poor beach water quality is characterised by an E. coli count ranging from 181 and 610 parts per 100 ml, which causes 11-15 minor illnesses for every 1000 swimmers.
In contrast, Upper Cheung Sha and Tong Fuk beaches maintain a good grading, while Pui O Beach, Silvermine Bay and Discovery Bay are graded fair.
The department however advises bathers to touch base with Hong Kong Leisure & Cultural Services before swimming in Silvermine Bay, which along with beaches in ther Tsuen Wan District, have been affected by recent oil spills.
The department monitors water quality across the city’s public beaches, and posts public updates online within 48 hours of sampling.
Photo by WiNG (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
