R&R: Repulse Bay beach, rated 'fair', is a popular spot for sunbathing.

The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 14 beaches 'good' for this weekend, with 14 'fair' and five 'poor'.

Compared with last week, Cafeteria New Beach, Golden Beach and Silver Mine Bay Beach have been upgraded from 'poor' to 'fair'. Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Middle Bay Beach, Repulse Bay Beach, St. Stephen's Beach and Stanley Main Beach have been changed from 'good' to 'fair'. Big Wave Bay Beach, Castle Peak Beach and Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach have been changed from 'fair' to 'poor'.

The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beaches.

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.

Many beaches are likely to be more polluted than their grades suggest during and after heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.