Why Is This Famous New York River Turning Red?

For Saint Patrick's Day weekend, waterways will be turning green all across the country. In New York, however, a river will soon be turning red...

From daring helicopter rescues to operating "fish-mobiles", the job description for employees of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) might be the longest in the state. Next week, they will be partnering with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an entirely new project.

New York Research Project Will Turn River Red

The project, which will turn one of New York State's most well-traveled rivers the color of blood, is meant to find data on how wastewater from a nearby treatment plant affects both animals and humans. Here's how it will work.

Why Is a New York River Turning Red?

The collaboration between the NYSDEC and the FDA is focusing on the Patchogue Wastewater Treatment Plant, which releases treated water into the Patchogue River. To see how the wastewater travels downstream, a specific dye, called Rhodamine WT, will be released into the current.

What Is the Red Dye Being Released into the Patchogue River in New York?

The NYSDEC describes Rhodamine WT as a low-impact, non-harmful "water-tracing dye" that is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The dye will be introduced to treated water in the plant, which will then be released into the Patchogue River. Nearby residents are warned that both the river and bay may look a little different.

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"Portions of Patchogue River and Patchogue Bay may appear discolored and turn red or pink for a brief time [and] the discoloration may be visible from the shores", advised the NYSDEC. The study on the mile-long Patchogue River, located on Long Island, NY, will hopefully provide important data in several sectors.

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While the primary reason for the water tracing is related to shellfish populations (and whether its safe for shellfish harvesting near the treatment plant), authorities also say the study will be beneficial for possible future emergency responses in the event of a plant spill.