Water quality at six beaches has been rated 'good' by the Environmental Protection Department for this weekend, while two others are rated 'fair'.

The six rated good are Big Wave Bay, Deep Water Bay, Middle Bay, Repulse Bay, Stanley Main and Clear Water Bay Second Beaches.

Compared with the grading released last week, Golden and Silverstrand Beaches have been downgraded from 'fair' to 'good'. The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beach, the department says.

Clear Water Bay Second, Deep Water Bay, Golden and Silverstrand Beaches are open to swimmers year round. The other four beaches have been opened for swimming since March 1. All are equipped with shark nets.

Seven gazetted beaches - Anglers', Approach, Ting Kau, Casam, Gemini, Hoi Mei Wan and Lido - are closed to swimmers year round because of poor water quality.

For updates on beach water quality, see the department's website, or call the beach hotline, 2511 6666.