CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A recent report by Environment Texas calls out seven beaches in the Coastal bend that are unsafe because of fecal matter pollution. There is a preface to the story that should clarify the bottom line.
"The worst locations are at the major stormwater drains. you know, cole park, ropes park," said Ray Allen, executive director of Coastal Bend Bay & Estuaries.
According to Allen, the report from Environment Texas is probably based on information obtained after a rainfall event.
"That's the driving factor here. Storm events that generate runoff, water that comes into the bay off of peoples yards, off of people's streets and driveways. Also if it's a heavy enough rain, we can have what's called a cross-contamination problem where the sanitary sewer lines might overflow."
The study called "Safe for Swimming?", looked at fecal bacteria levels at a total of 167 beaches across the state.
141 of 167 beach sites sampled were potentially unsafe for at least one day in 2018. 22 percent of testing days at Nueces County beaches identified potentially unsafe water in 2018. Texas' worst offender was Cole Park, which had bacteria levels high enough to put swimmers at risk for 52 of 64 days tested.
While the City of Corpus Christi is looking at ways to solve the issue, it could be years before a real solution comes along.
"But for now pay attention to the public warning signs that are in the public parks. if they say don't get in the water or look out for bacteria contamination you know to be careful, that's all I can say," Allen said.
The report includes several recommendations to prevent bacterial pollution and keep Coastal Bend beaches safe for swimming such as using rain barrels, rooftop gardens, or permeable pavement, to absorb stormwater runoff and reduce sewage overflows.
You can check bacteria levels here.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com: