A Large Number of Texas Beaches Were Found to be Unsafe Due to Fecal Bacteria During 2020

A recent analysis made by the Environment Texas Research and Policy Center found that of the 61 beaches in Texas, 55 had one potentially unsafe swimming day as a result of fecal bacteria in 2020.

31 beaches were found unsafe at least 25 percent of the days they were tested.

Cole Park in Nueces County was found to be potentially dangerous 91 percent of the days testing took place, the record high for Texas beaches in 2020. Harris County, with just one beach, was found to have the highest number of unsafe swimming days in comparison to any other county.

Fecal bacteria contamination is sometimes caused by malfunction sewage treatments, improperly maintained septic systems, rainwater runoff carrying waste, and large numbers of swimmers.

Swimming in this contaminated water can cause a number of serious illnesses, such as respiratory disease, ear & eye infection, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal infections.

The report found that on average, there are an estimated 57  million cases of waterborne illnesses contracted from recreational swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds.