AUSTIN, Texas—Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is pleased to announce that the Texas General Land Office (GLO) is set to receive a $382,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor water quality at beaches and to notify the public if elevated levels of illness-causing bacteria make swimming unsafe.
"The GLO is proud to monitor the water quality up and down our beautiful Texas coast for the well-being of beachgoers, our shoreline communities, and the marine life across various beach habitats," said Commissioner Buckingham. "As someone who lived on the coast for over a decade, I want to thank President Trump’s EPA for the issuance of this grant that will assist the Texas Beach Watch program in keeping Texans informed as they visit our beaches this summer."
The Texas Beach Watch (TBW) program monitors coastal water quality by collecting and analyzing samples from recreational beaches along the Texas coast. Results are shared with beachgoers, public agencies, and researchers to help ensure safe swimming conditions. The program tests for Enterococcus bacteria, a naturally occurring microorganism found in animals with hair, fur, or feathers. While Enterococcus is a normal part of coastal ecosystems, elevated levels—often influenced by rainfall and stormwater runoff—can indicate the potential presence of harmful pathogens.
Click the image below to watch a video from the GLO and learn more about how Texas Beach Watch collects water quality samples:
Aerial footage of South Padre Island ahead of the 2025 Beach Season
A water quality advisory is issued when observed bacteria levels in the water indicate possible increased risks of illness. The GLO does not close beaches when a water quality advisory is in effect. Local authorities issue beach closures. In 2024, Texas Beach Watch collected 8,237 samples. Last year, 797 beach advisories, representing only 9% of all samples, were posted for the entire Texas coast.
The Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act authorizes this funding from EPA. The grant supports EPA’s broader “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative, emphasizing cooperative federalism and the commitment of ensuring clean and safe water access for all Americans.
To read more about the EPA's initiative, click the button below:
TBW urges all beach visitors to respect our beautiful beaches by picking up after pets, throwing trash into receptacles, and doing their part to take care of the Texas coast.
RELATED: Commissioner Buckingham Announces Completion of Texas’s Largest Beach Nourishment Project
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas' first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.