Grading of beach water quality released
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (January 23) released the latest grading of water quality for six gazetted beaches that are open all year round for swimming.
Six beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1).
Grade 1 beaches are:
Casam Beach |
Golden Beach |
Clear Water Bay Second Beach |
Lido Beach |
Deep Water Bay Beach |
Silverstrand Beach |
Compared with the grading released last week, there was no change in the grading for these beaches.
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).
Source: AI-found images
FEHD appeals for earnest participation in year-end clean-up campaign
To tie in with the tradition of pre-Lunar New Year clean-up, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) launched a year-end clean-up campaign across the territory today (January 23), appealing for the public's earnest participation in keeping households, communities and public places clean together to welcome the Year of the Horse.
An FEHD spokesman said, "The annual year-end clean-up campaign started today and will last for 21 days. During the campaign, cleaning efforts will be enhanced in all districts to improve community hygiene and maintain a clean and hygienic environment in Hong Kong."
Throughout the campaign, the FEHD will step up the cleaning of public facilities under its management, such as markets, cooked food centres, hawker bazaars, public toilets and refuse collection points. The FEHD will enhance inspections and strengthen cleaning of problematic sites with illegal refuse dumping and other public cleanliness offences, such as rear lanes and hygiene blackspots. Furthermore, the FEHD will deploy additional mini-street washing vehicle teams equipped with pressure washer surface cleaners to enhance street cleaning services in densely populated areas and popular tourist spots. FEHD staff will increase inspections, cleaning and disinfection of communal areas and market facilities, reminding stall tenants to thoroughly clean their stalls.
In addition, the FEHD will conduct mosquito and rodent prevention and control operations in places such as old tenement buildings, streets, rear lanes, village houses and construction sites based on district needs, especially enhancing night rodent control measures.
The spokesman added that to ensure the cleanliness of public places, the department will continue to strengthen enforcement and issue fixed penalty notices to those who violate public cleanliness and obstruction regulations.
For more information about the year-end clean-up campaign and environmental hygiene, please visit the FEHD website at www.fehd.gov.hk.
The spokesman stressed that maintaining a clean and hygienic community hinges on the active participation and collective efforts of the public to enjoy a clean environment together in the upcoming Lunar New Year.
FEHD appeals for earnest participation in year-end clean-up campaign Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD appeals for earnest participation in year-end clean-up campaign Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
