Galveston reports
high levels of bacteria

06/28/04
Port Arthur - The News
by Marilyn Tennissen - The News staff writer

Due to heavy rains soaking the Texas coast last week, the Galveston County Health District has reported high bacteria levels in some area beaches.

Kurt Koopmann, public information officer for the Health District, said all beaches are open and there are no reports of suspected or confirmed illnesses, however there is a "No Swimming" advisory for areas of Bolivar Peninsula near Rollover Pass. Other beaches affected are Appfel Park on Galveston's east end and Eight Mile Road.

Sea Rim Park levels have not yet been determined and bacteria testing will be conducted tomorrow.

"There was some misinformation that went out about above-average counts of bacteria such as hepatitis A detected and beaches closed," Koopmann said Monday. "First of all, hepatitis A is not a bacteria. And there have been no beaches closed. There is only an advisory about swimming."

He said tourists should continue to visit and enjoy all of the area beaches. "We tested again today, and hope the advisory can be lifted tomorrow," Koopmann said.

The high bacteria level is most likely due to runoff of fecal material into area waterways because of the heavy rains.

The District's water pollution program under guidance from the State of Texas General Land Office routinely collects water samples to test for certain types of bacteria. When such bacterial counts exceed state standards, an advisory is released to inform the public of potential risk.

For more information citizens may call the Galveston County Health District at (409) 938-2211 or visit their web site at www.gchd.org.

Read the press release

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org