Anyone interested in going to the beach in Shenzhen for a reprieve from the summer heat should be mindful that Dameisha Beach has already exceeded water safety standards three times this season.

Results from tested water samples taken on June 3, 9, and 16 have been just been released, and all three have failed, reports Sina. The test results for the three dates showed excess amounts of fecal coliform at 3,400 parts per liter, 7,500 parts per liter, and 3,500 parts per liter, respectively. The allowable standard used by Chinese authorities is 2,000 parts per liter.

Authorities explained the beach failed the test as a result of too many people swimming in the area. Yantian District is currently investigating if a be a fee should be charged to better control the crowds of people that frequent the popular Shenzhen attraction. Other than coming directly from humans, sources of fecal coliform include human sewage, pets and animals, or agricultural uses.

The danger to human health posed by fecal coliform include ear infections, dysentery, typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, and hepatitis A. A representative of the Yantian District chengguan office expressed shock at the findings:

Previously, we only knew that the water quality of Dameisha was poor, but this is the first time that we have a grasp of a precise number (that shows us how bad it is).

It is unclear if this the first time that the water quality at Dameisha was scientifically tested.

Photo: Weibo