The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 15 beaches 'good' for this weekend, with 15 'fair' and three 'poor'.

Compared with last week, Middle Bay, St. Stephen's and Stanley Main Beaches have been upgraded from 'fair' to 'good'. Big Wave Bay, Castle Peak and Cafeteria Old Beaches have been upgraded from 'poor' to 'fair'. Clear Water Bay First and Kwun Yam Beaches have been changed from 'good' to 'fair', and Golden Beach has 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.