WATER quality at almost one in five of Hongkong's beaches deteriorated last year, a report has revealed.
A study by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) showed concentrations of the bacteria Escherichia coli had increased at 11 of the 56 beaches monitored. The density of the bacteria indicates the extent to which water is contaminated by faeces.
The department's principal environmental protection officer for water policy, Mr Malcolm Broom, said beach water quality would not greatly improve for the next two or three years.
''We're not expecting any significant improvements before the 1995 bathing season when various sewage projects, such as the one in Castle Peak, should be completed,'' he said.
Mr Broom attributed the deterioration in water quality last year mainly to heavy rains that flushed pollutants accumulated in ditches and nullahs out into the sea.
He said water quality could improve slightly this year if the territory enjoyed hot, dry weather, which caused bacteria to decay quickly. Another summer marred by torrential downpours could cause worsened conditions for swimmers.
The Urban Council opened its 11 beaches for this year's swimming season on March 1, while the Regional Council followed suit at its 28 beaches on April 1.