Study to track bacteria makes a colorful splash at Wrightsville Beach

The water at Wrightsville Beach turned red and green Tuesday. Wrightsville Beach and UNCW performed a companion study to track bacteria found in the water.

Researchers used red and greed dye in Motts Channel and Banks Channel to identify the waters flow pattern. Wrightsville Beach Storm Water Manager, Steve Dellies, said the tests should help with water clean up.

“If we can find where the source is maybe we can do something about it,” said Dellies. “For instance, if it happens to be coming from a human source we don’t know whether it’s coming from a boat or whether it’s a septic system, a sewer system or what it would be.”

Dellies said the bacteria is most likely caused by birds.

It will take at least a week, and one more test, before researchers determine the source.