Haldimand County will be using safe and environmentally-friendly dye to study flows in the Grand River on Thursday, August 26, 2021. The test is part of ongoing monitoring studies related to the County’s wastewater treatment operations.

Dye will be added to the Grand River via the Caledonia wastewater treatment plant on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 7:00 a.m. to approximately 8:00 p.m. It is expected that people may see a pink tint in the river for up to 24 hours after the test between the treatment plant, located at the end of Forfar St. E, and the King St. bridge in York.

Dye tracers are a common way to see effluent spreads in rivers and other waterways. The dye dilutes quickly as it moves downstream, doesn’t reduce dissolved oxygen levels in the river and is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and other wildlife.

The study’s purpose is to further understand the Caledonia wastewater treatment plant’s effluent plume (treated wastewater).

The major aim of wastewater treatment is to remove as much of the suspended solids and nutrients as possible before the remaining water, called effluent, is discharged back to the environment.

Haldimand’s wastewater treatment processes operate under strict regulations and meets or exceeds standards set by the provincial and federal government to protect public health and the environment.