While Texas beaches experience a surge in summer visitors, water quality warnings are emerging in Galveston, where elevated levels of fecal bacteria may pose health risks to swimmers.
This summer, an increase in visitors to Texas beaches has raised concerns, as the waters surrounding Galveston have revealed elevated levels of fecal bacteria, alarming those who frequent the shore.
While the majority of the Texas Gulf Coast is secure, the Texas General Land Office's Texas Beach Watch has recently announced yellow alerts for specific areas of Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula, suggesting that the water poses only a minor risk. The figures are based on colony-forming units (CFUs), a technique used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess the level of germs present in the air.
Swimming is not advisable if the count reaches 104 CFUs per 100 milliliters or more.
Locations with a number under 35 receive a green mark, while those exceeding 104 are marked in yellow. As of last Wednesday, the majority of the Texas coastline remained vibrant and suitable for swimming. This featured well-known locations such as Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley. However, the majority of the yellow alerts were concentrated in Galveston.
The peak numbers were recorded at Stewart Beach with 85 colony-forming units (CFUs), followed closely by 31st Street at 84, and the Texas City Dike at 74.
In Matagorda County, at Sargent, and in Brazoria County, at Quintana Beach, additional yellow zones have been identified. Heavy rain and stormwater flow are the primary contributors to the increase in bacteria levels, as they carry waste from streets and outdated sewage systems into the Gulf.
The primary bacteria involved in this situation are enterococci, commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals; however, they can pose risks when they appear in open water. Residents of Galveston are aware that the orange flags displayed by the Beach Patrol signal a warning to avoid entering the water.
The Texas Beach Watch website offers up-to-the-minute updates on the water quality at over 160 testing locations along the coast.
Currently, no red-flag warnings have been issued, but specialists indicate that if the rainfall continues, additional areas may soon be designated as unsafe for swimming. Following significant rainfall, authorities recommend avoiding swimming for 24 to 48 hours and urge the public to monitor beach warnings closely. Contaminated water can lead to a variety of infections, from mild rashes to more serious health issues.
With the arrival of warmer weather, health and environmental officials urge beachgoers to remain informed and make wise choices while swimming.
