Click to watch video

After several days of rain, vacationers finally got a chance to hit the beach.

KHOU-TV

Signs along the Galveston coastline warn of bacteria in the water in some areas.

“It’s been really rainy, but today’s sunny, so that’s good,” said Brenda Cantrell.  She brought her granddaughters from Dallas.

Like most, they have no idea what they are swimming in: fecal bacteria.

“I didn’t know that.  It my make me stay out of the water,” Cantrell said.

Few pay attention to the green signs by the lifeguard stands.

There is one at 61^st St. and Seawall, warning of increased levels.  There are 31 other spots on the island that have similar problems.

Where does the fecal bacteria come from?  Septic tanks, cattle farms and even pet deposits in your own back yard.

Heavy downpours, such as the ones we’ve just had wash it all down river and it ends up in the Gulf.

“It is something that people need to be concerned about.  What we tell people is any time you’re swimming in any type of untreated water, whether it be lakes, rivers or beaches, you need to be cautious because it is untreated water,” said Kurt Koopmann, Galveston Cty. Health District.

Experts said the worst case could lead to an upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhea.

That’s not enough to make some people get out of the water.

“They’re still gonna have a good time, they’re still gonna get in the water,” said Rosalyn Walker, “You know, that’s just the beach. It’s always been dirty since I been coming here for 50 years.  It’s always been dirty.”

Cantrell wasn’t taking any chances and took her granddaughters to see what else was available in Galveston.

There are some safe spots that don’t have fecal bacteria and they are mainly on the west end of the island and in Bolivar.

The health department in Galveston County said all the Gulf water should return back to normal levels in a few days when the bacteria finally disperse.