NORTH HAMPTON, N.H. (AP) – State and federal scientists will conduct a dye tracing study on the Little River near New Hampshire’s North Hampton State Beach, which has been identified as a source of bacterial pollution to the Atlantic Ocean.

Scientists say while the exact origins of the pollution remain under investigation, the study will help state managers more accurately define how much of the ocean is adversely affected by the intermittently high bacteria levels.

To initiate the study, a red dye will be injected into the river during the ebbing tide Tuesday morning. The dyes dilution and transport patterns will then be tracked by periodic water sampling throughout the day.

The waters near North Hampton State Beach will likely have a reddish/pink color, but the dye will quickly be diluted to undetectable levels.