EPD Reports Eleven Beaches Rated Good for Swimming Quality in November

Grading of beach water quality released

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (November 8) released the latest grading of water quality for 11 gazetted beaches that are open for swimming in November.

Eleven beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1).

Grade 1 beaches are:

Big Wave Bay Beach

Middle Bay Beach

Casam Beach

Repulse Bay Beach

Clear Water Bay Second Beach

Silver Mine Bay Beach

Deep Water Bay Beach

Silverstrand Beach

Golden Beach

Stanley Main Beach

Lido Beach

Compared with the grading released last week, Casam Beach, Clear Water Bay Second Beach and Silverstrand Beach have been upgraded from Grade 2 to Grade 1.

Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), 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 tropical cyclone 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 EPD's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666. Members of the public can also obtain the latest daily water quality forecast information for all beaches that are open for swimming through the EPD's dedicated webpage on the beach water quality forecast (www.epd.gov.hk/en/BWQForecast).

EMSD investigates suspension incident of Hong Kong Observation Wheel

​The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) is investigating the suspension incident of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel happened today (December 5).

An EMSD spokesman said, "Upon notification of the suspension incident of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel at 5.26pm today, EMSD officers immediately conducted an on-site investigation. The preliminary findings revealed that the failure of the backup system of the observation wheel has triggered the safety system to suspend the observation wheel. The operator followed the operation procedures to restart the observation wheel and release the passengers. All passengers were safely evacuated at 5.48pm, and no passengers were injured in the incident."

For safety's sake, the EMSD has requested the Hong Kong Observation Wheel to conduct a detailed inspection and reopen it only after confirming safety by the competent person of the amusement ride. The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is required to submit a report on the incident. TheEMSD will continue closely monitoring the operation of the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.