HOUSTON \u2013 As Texans head to local waterways to cool off during the summer heat, a new report is raising concerns about potentially unsafe levels of bacteria in Houston bayous and waterways across the state.<\/p>\n
The Environment Texas Research & Policy Center is set to release a new report Thursday titled Are Texas rivers and lakes safe for swimming?<\/p>\n
The report and accompanying online mapping tool examine water quality samples collected across Texas, highlighting waterways that have repeatedly tested positive for harmful pathogens, including E. coli.<\/p>\n
Among the waterways highlighted in the report is Buffalo Bayou in Houston.<\/p>\n
E. coli is a type of bacteria that can indicate contamination from human or animal waste. Exposure to water contaminated with harmful bacteria can lead to waterborne illnesses, particularly if contaminated water is swallowed.<\/p>\n
The report comes as Texans continue to visit rivers, lakes and bayous for swimming, fishing and paddling during the hot summer months.<\/p>\n
Environment Texas Research & Policy Center says the findings point to a need for greater investment in wastewater infrastructure at the local, state and federal levels.<\/p>\n
The group is recommending that governments increase funding to address aging or inadequate wastewater systems and help reduce contamination entering Texas waterways.<\/p>\n
Researchers and local water quality experts are expected to discuss the findings during a news conference Thursday morning at Allen\u2019s Landing Park in downtown Houston.<\/p>\n
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20.<\/p>\n
Speakers are expected to include Beth Martin with Environment Texas Research & Policy Center, Dr. Matthew Berg, CEO and principal scientist of Simfero, Dr. Ryan Bare with the Houston Advanced Research Center, Jesse Dickerman with Harris County Pollution Control and Guadalupe Fern\u00e1ndez with Bayou City Waterkeeper.<\/p>\n
The report\u2019s online map will allow the public to see water quality testing results and identify waterways across Texas where pathogens have been detected.<\/p>\n
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