The greatest danger for beachgoers may be millions of microbes also swimming in the water. While many are there naturally, stormwater runoff and sewage system failures can overwhelm coastal waters. One percent of NC's beaches were closed for short times in 2012 because of microbial contaminants. A marine biologist has now developed a rapid water test to keep the public safe.
bacteria
For The Love of Swimming
It might be more timely to air a story about a new test to check for contaminated beach water in the spring. After all, that’s when North Carolinians are starting to think about warmer weather and visiting the state’s incredible coastline.
But we wanted to air it now because, tragically, deadly ocean water has been in the news, most recently in Florida.
Week in Review: Prince, Dragon or Both?
UNC-TV Science Week In Review: August 1, 2013
Prince, Dragon or Both?