Researchers find fecal mater in SPI waters

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Environmental Texas Research and Policy Center states it found toxic infectious material in South Padre Beaches in its latest beach data testing.

In the study, South Padre Island is still rated one of the safest beaches in Texas, with only 7% of the 43 days found to be unsafe for swimming.

The Environmental Texas Research and Policy Center stated that they identified the primary concern on SPI as fecal matter and sewage overflow.

"Even with us being one of the cleanest beaches, there was still a significant amount of fecal contamination to be detected to where it was a problem on three of those 43 days," said Emma Cantu, Environment Texas Research & Policy Center. "So, you know, we're not 100 percent safe from it and there's more that can be done."

Beachgoers are recommended to do their research and check which beaches are the safest, as sewage can flow from the city.