Bronte Wells
Texas beaches are heavily polluted, with a recent report revealing that human waste is present on the coastlines. Nonprofit group Environment Texas found that 90% of beaches tested in 2022 for fecal bacteria tested positive at least once, with pathogens in the fecal matter posing a health risk to swimmers. The state's coastal areas experience some of the heaviest rains in the country, causing runoff and sewage overflow that leads to potential contamination. The EPA recommends looking for advisory signs at beach entrances that indicate swimming should be avoided due to high bacteria levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fecal bacteria count | Between 35 and 104 cfu/100ml |
| Beach with the highest percentage of unsafe swimming days | Corpus Christi |
| Beach advisory days in Texas | Increased from 1,130 to 2,860 from 2016 to 2019 |
| Percentage of polluted days in Galveston County and Harris County | 21-28% |
| Percentage of polluted days in Nueces County | >30% |
| Potential health risks | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache, headache, fever, ear infections, rashes, and infections on open wounds |
| Percentage of Texas beaches that are unsafe for swimming | 90% |
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What You'll Learn
Fecal bacteria in beach water
Texas beaches have been found to contain high levels of fecal bacteria, with a 2023 study reporting that 90% of Texas beaches tested in 2022 had potentially unsafe levels of fecal indicator bacteria on at least one day of testing. Sixty-one Texas beaches were tested, and 55 showed unsafe levels. Fecal contamination can come from sources such as urban runoff, sewage overflows, and factory farms, and it can contain pathogens that are harmful to human health.
The Texas General Land Office monitors fecal bacteria levels along Texas coastal waterways, and the results are posted online at www.TexasBeachWatch.com. The site uses a color-coded system to indicate bacteria levels and any advisories: green for low contamination, yellow for medium, and red for high. An advisory notice is also posted on the beach itself, but this does not prompt the state to close the beach.
Fecal bacteria levels seem to be highest in March, June, and September, and they tend to spike after heavy rain washes contaminants into the water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, bacteria levels above 104 cfu/100ml are unsafe. Beaches with high levels of fecal bacteria include Surfside Beach, Seawall Boulevard, Texas City Dike Beach, and beaches in Nueces County, Galveston County, and Harris County.
The presence of fecal bacteria in beach water can pose a risk to human health, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The most common symptoms associated with exposure include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache, headache, and fever. The EPA recommends looking for advisory signs at beach entrances and advises against swallowing water or swimming with open wounds. To prevent the spread of bacteria, it is important to pick up pet waste and avoid leaving food that can attract animals, especially seagulls, which are significant contributors to fecal loading in the environment.
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Beach advisory days
From 2016 to 2019, beach advisory days in Texas increased from 1,130 to 2,860. This rise in advisory days is due to increased contamination levels, primarily from polluted runoff and sewage overflow. The State of Texas regularly tests beach waters and monitors fecal bacteria levels, with results available on an interactive map provided by Texas Beach Watch.
In 2022, 90% of Texas beaches tested positive for fecal bacteria on at least one day, making them potentially unsafe for swimmers. Six of the top ten beaches with the highest percentage of unsafe swimming days were in Nueces County, in the Corpus Christi area. Beaches in Galveston County and Harris County also made the top-ten list, with percentages of polluted days ranging from 21 to 28 percent.
High levels of fecal bacteria can lead to health risks for swimmers, causing gastrointestinal illnesses such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomachaches, headaches, and fevers. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to these illnesses. To protect public health, beaches with high contamination levels may be temporarily closed.
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Causes of water pollution
Texas beaches are often polluted, with high levels of bacteria that can be harmful to swimmers. A study in 2020 found that half of Texas's beaches had unsafe levels of fecal bacteria at least a quarter of the time.
There are several causes of water pollution in Texas, including:
- Industrial waste and runoff: Texas has a large industrial base, with 677 permitted industrial dischargers. While the EPA requires certain industrial facilities to report toxic pollution, other sources, such as oil and gas drilling, are not included. Chemical plants, such as the Dow plant, have been known to release toxic chemicals like dioxin, which can cause reproductive and developmental issues, into nearby waterways.
- Meat and poultry plants: In 2022, meat and poultry plants in Texas discharged millions of pounds of dissolved solids, nitrogen, and phosphorus into waterways. These pollutants can cause harmful algal blooms and excessive nutrients in the water, leading to oxygen depletion that harms aquatic life.
- Sewage treatment plants: Sewage treatment plants in Texas often lack advanced techniques and technology to effectively remove industrial pollutants. EPA analysis found that 73% of sewage treatment plants receiving slaughterhouse pollution had permit violations for pollutants found in wastewater.
- Rapid development and outdated infrastructure: According to Environment Texas, rapid development, impervious surfaces, and outdated sewage systems contribute to water pollution. Paved surfaces increase the amount of polluted stormwater entering rivers, bays, and coastal waters. The destruction of forests and wetlands further exacerbates the issue.
- Agricultural runoff: Runoff from factory farms can pollute waterways with toxic chemicals, such as nitrates, which can cause infant health problems and oxygen-depleted zones in the water. Pilgrim's Pride chicken-processing plant in Mount Pleasant dumped millions of pounds of toxic chemicals, mainly nitrates, into the Tankersley River in 2012.
- Climate change: Rising temperatures have worsened the issue of toxic algae blooms in Texas waterways, which can be harmful to people and animals.
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Beach safety
The presence of fecal bacteria in the water can lead to several health risks for swimmers, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, headache, fever, and infections, especially in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The EPA recommends that swimmers avoid swallowing water or swimming with open wounds to reduce the risk of illness.
To help keep beachgoers safe, Texas Beach Watch provides an interactive map that allows people to check the current bacteria levels at selected recreational beaches along the Texas coast. The map is colour-coded, with green indicating low contamination levels, yellow indicating medium levels, and red indicating high levels. Beachgoers can also look for advisory signs at beach entrances warning against swimming due to high bacteria levels.
Some of the most polluted beaches in Texas include those in Galveston County, Harris County, and Nueces County, with percentages of polluted days ranging from 21 to 28 percent. Specific beaches that are often mentioned as being polluted include Surfside Beach, Seawall Boulevard beaches, Texas City Dike Beach, and Rollover Pass.
It is important to note that not all Texas beaches are unsafe. Beaches on South Padre Island, for example, are among the cleanest in the country. However, due to the potential health risks associated with polluted beach water, it is crucial for individuals to check the current bacteria levels and follow any advisory warnings before entering the water at Texas beaches.
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Health risks of swimming in contaminated water
Texas beaches are often contaminated with high levels of bacteria, which can put swimmers at risk. Fecal bacteria counts in the water have been found to be between 35 and 104 cfu/100ml, which is concerning as it can lead to potential health risks for those who come into contact with it.
One of the main health risks of swimming in contaminated water is the potential exposure to harmful microorganisms, or "pathogens". These pathogens can cause various illnesses, including gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachache. Other symptoms can include headache, fever, skin rashes, swimmer's ear, and respiratory tract irritation. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to these illnesses and can develop more severe symptoms. In rare cases, open wounds exposed to polluted water can lead to infections.
The contamination of Texas beaches can be attributed to several factors, including polluted runoff from heavy rainfall, sewage overflow, and waste from farm animals. Rapid development, outdated sewage systems, and the destruction of natural habitats also contribute to the issue.
To protect yourself when visiting a beach, it is recommended to look for advisory signs warning of high bacteria levels and avoid swallowing water or swimming with open wounds. Checking for beach closures and staying away from cloudy water or areas with visible pipes draining into the water are also good practices.
It is important for local governments and organizations to address water pollution and invest in infrastructure that prevents contamination, ensuring that beaches are safe for swimming and other recreational activities.
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Frequently asked questions
A recent report by Environment Texas found that 90% of Texas beaches tested in 2022 for fecal bacteria tested positive at least one day. The majority of the top 10 most contaminated beach areas were located in Corpus Christi, with other locations including Ropes Park, Poenisch Park, and the Corpus Christi Marina.
The EPA recommends looking for advisory signs at beach entrances that say to avoid swimming due to bacteria. It also advises against swallowing water or swimming with open wounds. Pathogens in fecal matter pose a health risk to swimmers, and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomachaches, headaches, and fevers.
According to Environment Texas, rapid development, impervious surfaces, outdated sewage systems, and the increase of paved surfaces leading to more polluted stormwater entering coastal waters are some of the factors contributing to water pollution.
