The Environmental Protection Department has rated water quality at 21 beaches 'good' and 12 'fair' for this weekend.

Compared with the grading released last week, Hung Shing Yeh, Kwun Yam, Lower Cheung Sha, Ma Wan Tung Wan, St. Stephen's, and Clear Water Bay First and Second Beaches have been have risen from fair to good. Deep Water Bay Beach has fallen from good to fair.

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 due to poor water quality.

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.