Dog Beach visitors warned of increased bacteria growth

Sep 7 2009 - 6:41pm | Clay Thorp

With warning signs clearly visible, the Labor Day Monday still attracted visitors to the banks of Dog Beach on the San Marcos River. Visitors were seen laying in the sun and the bacteria-infested water.

City officials posted signs at “Dog Beach” Friday urging swimmers to avoid the area.

According to a press release from the City of San Marcos, bacterial counts of “1600 colonies per 100 milliliters were recorded from tests at the site, which is near a drainage ditch into the San Marcos River.”

Residents and students frequently visit Dog Beach, located down the river from Saltgrass Steak House Restaurant.

The signs warn swimmers, kayakers and tubers swimming may be hazardous to their health.

They read, “Caution: High bacteria counts in this area.”

“I’m just glad the city has some warning signs,” said Candice Berry, general studies senior. “When I used to visit the Frio, the river was so low that people were getting really sick because of the stagnant water. There definitely weren’t any warning signs. When it’s this hot and there isn’t any flow, something bad is bound to grow.”

County health officials have been testing the area and other areas on the San Marcos River because of the drought.

“The bacteria is fecal coliform (and) we think the rise is because of the drainage ditch and the low river flow due to the drought,” Chief Sanitation Officer Robert Piper said. “The river area at City Park and other locations are safe to swim and tube in. We are just asking people to avoid this part of the river until the counts come down.”

The city is trying to determine where the drainage is coming from, make repairs if necessary and hope for increased river flow.

“Really, swimmers should avoid any stagnant or warm water, in any body of water, any time it is hot and dry like this,” said Dianne Wassenich, director of the San Marcos River Foundation. “This is a historic drought, not like anything we’ve ever seen in our lifetime. Let’s hope it will be over soon.”

City officials will be retesting the water next week.

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