GALVESTON – Galveston County Health officials are warning of dangerously high bacteria levels on several of beaches.
The problem is sewage overflow that can wind up in the Gulf after heavy rains and flooding, like Galveston saw last week. It grossed out some swimmers we warned today, and left beachside business owners hoping it clears up quickly.
For the ice cream man, these are the last days of the golden season.
"This is a big weekend for me," said Nick Pokharea, owner of Snowie Shaved Ice.
Track the levels: Texas Beach Watch
He doesn't want anything scaring away his customers, like that high levels of bacteria.
"Galveston is a tourist spot," said Pokharea, "and people love to come to the beaches. And when something like that comes in the news, nobody wants to come and swim."
The Galveston County Health District is warning that five west-end beaches, including Hershey Beach, have bacteria levels too high to swim in safely.
"That doesn't sound pleasant, not at all," said Hershey Beach visitor Arthur Forbus.
There are no severe warnings for Seawall beaches and it's already improved since the weekend when there were 19 spots likely tainted with sewage runoff from recent rains.
"It strikes me as disgusting," said beach-goer Ashley Hardin. "I'm not going back in, no."
Health experts say the extra bacteria can cause stomach issues and infections to any open cuts, though it's more of a risk for young kids, the elderly and anyone who's already sick.
"That's a lot of water out there, so I think just common precautions, as long as you're healthy, I think you're probably fine," beach-goer Esther Forbus.
The County Health District will keep monitoring the water until it goes back to normal, usually within about two to three days.
