A recent report found that a large number of Texas beaches tested positive for potentially dangerous levels of bacteria last year.
According to the report from Environment America Research & Policy Center, 94% of the 63 Texas beaches tested positive for unsafe levels of fecal matter in the water. Thirty of those beaches recorded unsafe levels on at least 25% of all the days tested in 2024.
John Rumpler, Clean Water Director and Senior Attorney for Environment America, said there are potential health risks for swimmers.
“There can be pathogens in the water … stuff that can make us sick,” Rumpler said. “We’re talking about diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, skin rashes, ear infections, this is not what Texas families want when they go to the beach.”
The safety benchmark from the Environmental Protection Agency, known as the Beach Action Value, is 32 illnesses per 1,000 swimmers. When bacteria levels rise above that benchmark, it is considered an unsafe level. Nationwide, 61% of beaches had at least one day in 2024 when fecal matter reached unsafe levels.
Rumpler said the solution lies in fixing the sewage and stormwater infrastructure.
“If we can fix our wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, we can prevent a significant amount of this pollution,” he said.
Rumpler said that when heavy rainfall comes, animal waste is often driven into the river, lakes and coastal waters. That, coupled with sewage issues, can cause an increase in fecal matter entering our coastal waters.
“EPA projects that it’s going to cost $630 billion for communities to manage their storm water, septic, and sewage as well,” he said. “Right now, Congress is not funding the clean state revolving fund anywhere near the annualized cost, like 20% of the annualized cost.”
For the most up-to-date information on the bacteria count, click here: https://www.texasbeachwatch.com/
For more information on the Clear Water State Revolving Fund, click here: https://www.epa.gov/cwsrf
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