By Shobana Kesava

THE National Environment Agency (NEA) on Wednesday advised the public not to swim at Pasir Ris beach for a year as the water is not clean.

The water there carries a high level of Enterococcus - a bacteria found in faeces.

NEA has put up signposts to warn beach-goers to avoid swimming in the area.

The bacteria levels have not risen over the years, but the water quality at Pasir Ris has been graded 'fair' under new, stringent standards set by the World Health Organisation, said NEA.

In a five-level grading, ranging from very good to very poor, Pasir Ris came out 'fair'.

Of the other six beaches in Singapore where the public can swim, all have 'good' water quality, while Sentosa Island's was rated 'very good'.

Reservoirs here were also measured for two microbes: enterococcus and blue-green algae, which causes algal blooms.

The water quality in these places - except Marina Reservoir, which is still under construction - is considered good enough for water contact activities such as swimming.

Singapore's national water agency, the Public Utilities Board, reminded the public that no swimming is allowed in reservoirs.

It also assured the public that all water running through taps in Singapore goes through rigorous cleaning treatments.