Water Testing
Water samples taken from the Bahia Bay Canals on June 10, 2008, show that the water in the subdivision remains within the Surface Water Quality Standards for Contact Recreation. All locations tested at an acceptable level for both fecal coliforms and enterococci. None of the locations show a high level of contamination. These tests are indicative of fecal bateria only and do not included analysis for other virusus, such as vibroio vulnificus, that might be found in untreated water. Caution should always be exercised when in contact with marine water. For more information about possible risks, see Pathogens & Pathogen Indicators on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's web site.
At the time of testing the water in the Bahia Bay canals appeared to be safe; however, contamination can occur without visible results. Never swallow the water and ALWAYS bathe immediately after swimming. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and fresh water after any contact with the marine water. James Jackson, Director of Aransas County Environmental Health, says that contamination of marine water is common, particularly from surface water runoff. He encourages everyone to stay out of the water for 48 hours after a heavy rain. As the water warms and grass collects in the canals, the bacteria levels may change. Tests in the Bahia Bay canals will be repeated periodically and the results posted on this website.
The Texas Beach Watch Program, part of the Texas General Land Office (GLO), monitors Texas beaches for contamination. You can find information about beach advisories for nearby waters at Texas Beach Watch. The site also provides information about the risks associated with swimming in contaminated waters.
| Water Test Results for June 10, 2008 |
| Location |
Fecal Coliforms/100ml* |
Enterococci/100ml** |
| 1 |
30 |
<10 |
| 2 |
50 |
40
|
| 3 |
<10 |
<10 |
| 4 |
<10 |
<10 |
| 5 |
<10 |
10 |
| 6 |
<10 |
<10 |
*samples of fecal coliforms exceeding 200 per 100ml should be retested
**samples exceeding 89 per 100ml should be retested - (levels below 104 are considered safe for swimming and other water sports
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Volunteers Send 3300+ Packages Overseas
Bahia Bay leads the Rockport/South Texas area in supporting U.S. troops overseas. Since the Spring of 2005, Bahia Bay's own Carla Reed has been the founder and driving force behind the packing and sending of care boxes to military personnel in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.
Carla's leadership and untiring efforts have resulted in donations of money and goods to be packed in the 90+ care boxes, mailed each month. Volunteers from Rockport, Corpus Christi, Mathis and even other states have joined the Bahia Bay group, gathering in Carla's home to work on the ongoing project. As of April, 2008, over 3300 care packages have been shipped overseas. Her passion for helping and supporting these young Americans has kept the project strong. Visits from some of the individuals receiving care packages reaffirm the group's resolve to honor these heroes who give so much to keep American free.
The ongoing effort is continuing. Carla is now preparing to send boxes with "summer articles." Some of the troops stationed overseas get only one shower a week, if they are lucky. They are able to enjoy only one hot meal every THREE days - if everything goes as planned. These boxes are intended to help make their life more pleasant. If you would like to help, the following is needed:
- Bug repellent, pump spray bottle with at least 25% deet (Deep Woods Off)
- Baby wipes in soft resealable packs, 80 ct is good
- Chap stick with at least 15 SPF
- "On the go" drink mixes they can add to their bottled water, flavors other than lemonade. When the military furnishes them drinks it's usually lemonade so something different would be nice. Some of them even have vitamins which makes it nice too.
After visiting the AnySoldier.com website, Carla enlisted the help of Bahia Bay residents in sending the first packages. She has not stopped since. Visit www.anysoldier.com to find out more about how Americans are supporting their troops. The messages posted there show our soldiers are grateful for what is being done for them. It is a small measure when compared to what they are doing for us.
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Timothy Wingerter and Ron Hutton, Marines from Sinton, stop by to meet Carla and some of the volunteers.
Shown left to right: Wingerter, Carla, Hutton, Joyce Barnes, Jimmie Kelly, and Claire Wind.
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Volunteers gather in Carla's game room to welcome Matthew Waite, grandson of Don and Eloise Hennigan.
Shown left to right: Carol Hoephner, Jimmie Kelly, Judy Cossette, Donna Ferguson, Diane Lewis, Carla Reed, Matthew Waite, Juanita Michaels, Eloise Hennigan, Kathy Ingalls, Lucille-a Winter Texan from Missouri, and Karl Hoephner.
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Protecting Your Septic System
Proper use of septic systems in Bahia Bay is important for personal well being and for that of the neighborhood. At this time, it appears that all septic systems are functioning properly, but as time passes and the age of the systems increase, that could change. Perhaps the following information from Aransas County Environmental Health will help keep systems functioning properly long into the future:
The biggest problem with On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) is improper use. OSSF's are only designed to handle domestic sewage. The following substances should NOT be disposed of in a home plumbing system: cigarettes, facial tissues, paper towels, diapers, kitty litter, grease, chemicals, and hygiene products.
Disposal of these items add to the solid load, fills the tank rapidly and decreases its efficiency. In addition, strong chemicals not only kill the bacteria necessary for the operation of the system, but they also create the risk of leaching into the underground water sources resulting in the contamination of the groundwater and wells. Remember your septic system is built to handle human waste, not chemicals.
Keep the lawn above your drain area or spray field properly seeded and mowed and free of construction. Do not use it as a parking or storage area.
You should call your maintenance provider for assistance if the system starts to smell. Aerobic units require electricity to operate properly; do not intentionally turn off the system's power source.
Should you need more information or advice about your septic system, call Aransas County Environment Health at (361) 790-0121.
Helpful Tip from Ed Emery
Mosquitoes, unfortunately, are a fact of life in Bahia Bay but maybe not the itch that follows the bites. Ed has a remedy to stop the itch (and therefore, the scratching and possible infection.). To prepare his magic potion:
- Rinse out an empty pump type hair spray bottle with water.
- Then pour a tiny amount of plain (not scented) Ammonia 3% AMMONIA TO WATER.
- Label the container, BITE STUFF.
- Then the next time you get bitten, spray the 3% mixture on the bites.
Ed says that it works great!
IMPORTANT. . . . . . . . . IMPORTANT. . . . . .IMPORTANT
Reminder from the Architectural Control Committee
Any construction to houses, decks, fences, docks, etc.
MUST BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE!
For more information contact Merlin Hartdegen, Architectural Committee Chairman at 361-729-3125 or by e-mail.
Click here to view the Architectural Control Articles.
Reminder - Exterior Lights
Covenants - Article 2.19 Exterior Lights.
The owners of each Lot in the Subdivision shall maintain good and operating condition, properly painted and maintained at all times, an exterior light of the type and in the location selected and determined by the Committee, which exterior light is to be erected at such time as a residence is constructed upon said Lot. Such light shall be illuminated at the Lot owner's cost from dusk through daylight of every night to provide proper exterior illumination for the Subdivision as a whole. In the event that the owner of the Lot fails or refuses to repair, replace light bulbs, or maintain such exterior light, the Association may do so and charge the owner for such service.
Trailer Parking
Calm Harbor Real Estate has provided the Bahia Bay property owners the exclusive opportunity to store empty boat trailers within their fenced area since 1999. The cost is $200 per year. To facilitate moving the trailer for mowing, they ask that property owners using this service leave the trailer hitch unlatched. Please contact Calm Harbor Real Estate at 729-1367 for more information. All homeowners are encouraged to utilize this service or other storage locations if a trailer cannot be stored in such a way to meet the requirements stated in the covenants.
Click here to view article 2.17 of the covenants regarding Appearance of Lots.
