What lies beneath

All week, have you been longing for some little something that would gross you out just a little bit? Well, then, you're in luck, because we've got it: fecal bacteria at the beach. Yep, that's right: KHOU reports that this week's rains have washed all sorts of waste into the Gulf, and it's just hanging around out there, waiting for swimmers. The increased levels of fecal bacteria in coastal waters is caused by waste washing down to the Gulf from cattle farms, septic tanks and even pet feces in your yard. It's not going to kill you, but it could make for a pretty bad weekend of stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea.

“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.

You'll know where there are elevated bacteria levels by the green signs near lifeguard stands — or you can check the online beach advisory. According to Channel 11, there are still some clean spots, mainly on the west end of Galveston Island and in Bolivar; officials said all the water should return to its usual pristine state in a few days.