'Sunny day flooding' increases fecal contamination of coastal waters.

A study conducted by researchers at North Carolina State University has found that "sunny day flooding," which occurs during high tides, increases the levels of fecal bacteria in coastal waters. The study collected water samples over two summer months at three sites along a waterway in coastal North Carolina and found that floodwaters during high tides had relatively high levels of fecal bacteria. However, the elevated bacteria levels dissipated quickly and did not reach the same levels as stormwater runoff caused by rainfall. The researchers suggest that policymakers and public health officials should be aware of the potential risks associated with tidal flooding. [Extracted from the article]