Dye Tracer testing may turn Nith River Red

Waterloo Region – At some point in the next three weeks, the Region of Waterloo’s Water Services Division will place a safe, environmentally-friendly, “fluorescing” dye into the Nith River near the New Hamburg Wastewater Treatment Plant, downstream of the town of New Hamburg, upstream of Holland Mills Road. The dye will temporarily give the river a red colour.

The undertaking is known as a “dye tracer test” – a common way to gather data on the mixing of treated wastewater with the River. This test will provide information needed to ensure new treatment works are built to comply with Province of Ontario water quality policies.

During the test, the dye will be “injected” into the river for several hours while measurements and visual observations are made at a number of locations in the river.

The test may appear to turn the watercourses red temporarily where the dye is placed and for some distance downstream of New Hamburg towards Plattsville and Ayr.  The dye will dilute quickly as it moves downstream, eventually becoming invisible.

The dye is harmless to aquatic life and to individuals who may rely on the Nith River for their water supply or recreational uses. 

The dye tracer test is a component of the Class Environmental Assessment and Preliminary Design for the Expansion of the New Hamburg Wastewater Treatment Plant. The expansion is required to accommodate projected community growth in the New Hamburg and Baden area.

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 For more please contact:

Dominika Celmer-Repin, Engineering & Planning, Water Services, Region of Waterloo, 519-575-4757 ext. 4095, DCelmer-Repin@regionofwaterloo.ca