The U.S. Geological Survey will conduct a study to help researchers understand where and how groundwater enters the Fraser River. Researchers plan to use a non-toxic green dye in the Fraser River from October 28 to November 1 that will cause the water to turn from pale yellow to green for about 12 to 24 hours. .
Photo provided by U.S. Geological Survey
The U.S. Geological Survey will conduct a pigment tracking survey in the Fraser River from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, according to a U.S. Geological Survey press release. During this time, a non-toxic dye called sodium fluorescein is introduced into the river between 3pm and 7pm and monitored throughout the night until the dye flows downstream.
Once the dye is released into the Fraser River, scientists will monitor its progress at various locations downstream. Daily feature |
Dry conditions are required to complete the study. The agency plans to conduct the survey on October 29, weather permitting.
This study will help researchers understand where and how groundwater enters the Fraser River. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, sodium fluorescein is an environmentally safe dye that is commonly used in hydrological research. The dye will be released as a slow, continuous drip over four to 10 hours near Confluence Park in Winter Park.
Water experts will monitor the progress of the dye at various locations downtown.
The water may appear pale yellow to green for 12 to 24 hours after dye injection. Researchers expect little to no color change in the river south of the confluence of the Fraser River and St. Louis Creek during the monitoring period.
The study is part of a U.S. Geological Survey study to identify potential groundwater input locations and estimate groundwater contribution to the Fraser River, according to a press release. These estimates can be used to understand the sustainability of river and groundwater flows under changing climate conditions.
The Town of Fraser, the Town of Winter Park, Grand County and Trout Unlimited have all given permission to the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct the test.
For more information about water research in Colorado, visit the USGS Colorado Water Science Center website.
