Water quality at Deep Water Bay, Clear Water Bay Second and Golden beaches has been rated 'good' by the Environmental Protection Department for this weekend.

Silverstrand Beach has been rated 'fair', down from last week's 'good' reading. There was no change in the grading of the other three beaches compared with the previous week.

These four beaches are open year round, and all are equipped with shark nets. Other beaches are closed for the winter.

Beach grades can also be obtained from the department's homepage or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

The department warns that many beaches are likely to be more polluted than their grades suggest during and after periods of heavy rain.

Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.