Grading of beach water quality released
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (June 20) released the latest grading of water quality for 39 gazetted beaches (see Note 1) and one non-gazetted beach (see Note 2).
Twenty-four beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1), 15 as Fair (Grade 2) and one as Poor (Grade 3).
Grade 1 beaches are:
Big Wave Bay Beach* |
Lo So Shing Beach |
Cafeteria New Beach |
Lower Cheung Sha Beach |
Cafeteria Old Beach |
Repulse Bay Beach* |
Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach* |
Shek O Beach* |
Chung Hom Kok Beach |
South Bay Beach* |
Deep Water Bay Beach* |
St. Stephen's Beach |
Golden Beach* |
Stanley Main Beach* |
Hap Mun Bay Beach* |
Tai Po Lung Mei Beach* |
Hung Shing Yeh Beach* |
Tong Fuk Beach |
Kiu Tsui Beach |
Trio Beach |
Kwun Yam Beach |
Turtle Cove Beach |
Lido Beach* |
Upper Cheung Sha Beach |
Grade 2 beaches are:
Anglers' Beach* |
Kadoorie Beach |
Approach Beach |
Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach* |
Butterfly Beach* |
Middle Bay Beach |
Castle Peak Beach |
Pui O Beach* |
Clear Water Bay First Beach |
Silver Mine Bay Beach* |
Clear Water Bay Second Beach* |
Silverstrand Beach* |
Discovery Bay Tai Pak Beach [Non-gazetted beach] |
Ting Kau Beach* |
Hoi Mei Wan Beach |
Grade 3 beach is:
Casam Beach* |
Compared with the grading released last week, Silverstrand Beach has been upgraded from Grade 3 to Grade 2.
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).
Note 1: Lifesaving services are provided by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department at 21 gazetted beaches, marked with an asterisk (*) above, from June 1. For details, please refer to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department's Special Announcement (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/index.html).
Note 2: This refers to Discovery Bay Tai Pak Beach which has no lifesaving service.
HKSAR Government extends gratitude to various governments, organisations, and all sectors of society for warm support for those affected by Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po
A month has passed since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has received condolences and support from various provinces and cities on the Chinese Mainland and from international counterparts. The HKSAR Government expresses its gratitude to the provincial and municipal governments of the Chinese Mainland, foreign governments, diplomatic missions, international organisations, consulates-general, honorary consulates, and officially recognised bodies in Hong Kong for their condolences and support for those affected by the fire through various channels, and thanks all sectors of Hong Kong society for their enthusiastic commitment to relief efforts and generous donations.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, "On behalf of the HKSAR Government and all citizens of Hong Kong, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for the condolences, care, and assistance from our country and around the world. Fire shows no mercy, but the love of people abounds.This care, transcending geographical boundaries, reflects the spirit of solidarity and mutual support. We will continue to face challenges with resilience and love, transforming sorrow into strength and assisting those affected in returning to normal life as soon as possible."
Mr Lee also expressed his gratitude to all sectors of Hong Kong society for their generous donations and active participation in relief efforts, covering areas such as accommodation, medical care, mental health, finance, and transport. These contributions have provided essential resources and support for post-disaster reconstruction and social recovery.
Following the fire, numerous charitable organisations and funds swiftly allocated donations to assist residents. The Government also established the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which has so far received approximately $3.8 billion in donations. Together with the start-up capital of $300 million from the Government, the total fund has now reached around $4.1 billion. This fund provides various emergency financial support to various groups of people affected by the fire, including all residents, families of the deceased, hospitalised casualties, students, domestic helpers, workers, flat owners, and tenants.
Furthermore, many members of the public and organisations proactively donated supplies to address the immediate needs of the affected residents. In response, the Government and the information technology sector collaboratively established an online platform for donations of supplies. After assessing the actual needs of the residents, relevant government bureaux and departments and service organisations promptly distributed supplies, including food, beverages, clothing, personal care items, bedding, and electrical appliances, to support the residents' daily lives.
The HKSAR Government will continue to unite the strengths of all sectors, leading the community in its recovery and reforms with steadfast determination andaction, to jointly build a safer and better Hong Kong.
Source: AI-found images
