Keep track of bacteria levels on all 14 beaches in the Coastal Bend, including Natural Beach on Padre Island between Bob Hall Pier and Padre Island National Seashore.
In mid-March, just as Spring Break got underway, Texas Beach Watch posted red flags at McGee Beach warning that bacteria in the water had increased to dangerous levels. At least six coastal areas in Corpus Christi are prone to high bacteria levels, which are tested weekly by the state. Beachgoers can now keep track of where warning signs are posted with a new web-based interactive feature that keeps data on all beaches along the Texas coastline..
The feature is part of a program by the General Land Office to make information more readily available through technology. The GLO oversees Texas Beach Watch, which monitors water cleanliness on the Texas coast.
“At the GLO, we nourish our beaches, we remove abandoned vessels and we rebuild important coastal marshes all while preparing for the next big storm,” commissioner George P. Bush said. “Texas Beach Watch is a great tool for all Texans who want to take advantage of the coastal work done at the General Land Office.”
Red flags indicate a beach is experiencing bacteria counts of more than 104 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters. Medium levels are between 35 and 104 cfu/100ml. In Corpus Christi, seven coastal points regularly experience high levels, while nine are considered in the medium range at times. Heavy rains usually bring up the bacteria count in Corpus Christi Bay, where most of these high points are located.
High bacteria level areas are often found at:
• North Beach-Breakers
• North Beach-Coastal
• Cole Parks Nos. 2-4
• Ropes Parks Nos. 2 and 3
Medium levels are found at:
• North Beach-Gulden
• North Beach-Gulfspray
• Marina South
• Emerald Beach
• Cole Park No. 6
• Poenisch Park
• Park Road 22
• Bob Hall Pier/Seawalls No. 7 and 8
For more information on the bacteria levels of all Texas’ beaches, visit the GLO website at texasbeachwatch.com. Click on a map balloon to find out the name of the beach, bacteria levels and other information. You can also click the “Stay Informed” button to receive alerts when this location changes advisory levels.
