The percentage of beaches rated either "good" or "fair" has risen from 74% in 1986 to 83% in 2005, despite a dip in the mid-1990s, according to the Environmental Protection Department.

Twenty years ago, 29 out of 39 beaches met the Water Quality Objectives ("good" or "fair" ratings) compared with 34 of 41 beaches last year, according to the report, "20 Years of Beach Water Quality Monitoring in Hong Kong", released by the department today.

The report highlights the achievements of the past two decades in improving the city's beaches. It shows the number of beaches failing the quality objectives fell sharply from 14 in 1987 to seven in 2005.

'Good' beaches more than double

In addition, the percentage of beaches rated "good" has more than doubled over the past 20 years, soaring from just 23% in 1986 to 56% in 2005.

The report also notes that the quality compliance rate of beaches has remained steady at over 80% since 1999, a clear indication of a genuine long-term improvement in water quality.

The department has been monitoring water quality at Hong Kong's beaches for two decades. The following important initiatives were implemented to improve and safeguard the health and safety of beach users:

* Development of a comprehensive scientific programme for monitoring beach water quality;

* Provision of regular, reliable and up-to-date water quality information for the general public;

* Collaboration with other departments to extend the sewer network and improve sewerage facilities, with a particular emphasis on reducing pollution from beach hinterlands; and

* Enforcing environmental legislation designed to reduce pollution and help safeguard beach water quality.

To download details of the report, click here.