What changes day to dayFecal indicator bacteria
CHECK ADVISORIES
Texas Beach Watch tests for Enterococcus, bacteria used to signal possible sewage or animal-waste contamination. A high result means swimmers face a greater chance of stomach, skin, ear, eye, or breathing illness—it does not mean every Texas beach is unsafe.
Single-sample advisory level104CFU or MPN per 100 mL
Wet-weather riskRisesRunoff can carry bacteria to shore
Best current answerMapUse the latest sampled beach marker
Before an advisory liftsOfficials keep sampling, investigate sewage or stormwater sources when contamination persists, repair overflows or leaks, reduce polluted runoff, and remove the warning only after bacteria return to an acceptable level.