Water quality at 18 beaches has been rated 'good' by the Environmental Protection Department for this weekend, with 15 'fair'.

Compared with last week's grading, Lower Cheung Sha and Kiu Tsui Beaches have been upgraded from 'fair' to 'good', Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach from 'poor' to 'fair', and Big Wave Bay Beach from 'very poor' to 'fair', while Deep Water Bay, Hairpin, Shek O and Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beaches have changed from 'good' to 'fair'.

As many beaches are likely to be more polluted than their grades suggest during and after periods of heavy rain, bathers should avoid swimming for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.

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

For the latest beach water quality gradings, click here or call 2511 6666.