Water Quality Study of Wolf Meadow Branch and Coddle Creek for August 26 to 28

From Monday, August 26 to Wednesday, August 28, Brown and Caldwell, an environmental engineering contractor for the Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County, will perform a water quality study of Wolf Meadow Branch and Coddle Creek. As part of this study, Brown and Caldwell staff will conduct a dye tracer test.

This test will involve placing a non-toxic fluorescent dye in the headwaters of Wolf Meadow Branch and taking measurements of the dye concentration at various points downstream in Wolf Meadow Branch and Coddle Creek upstream of the confluence with the Rocky River.

County Residents May Notice a Non-Toxic Red Tint in the Stream

The red or pink fluorescent dye might be temporarily visible in the stream, especially in Wolf Meadow Branch, prior to dilution with Coddle Creek. The purpose of the dye tracer test is to measure the velocity and time of travel of the water in the streams. This information will be used to calibrate a hydraulic and water quality model.

Residents may notice the red tint to the streams for a few hours or a few days following the placement of the dye. This scientific study is harmless and there is no cause for concern.

“The red-colored dye used in this study is different than food dyes. It is formulated as a water tracer and has been used for decades and is approved by the EPA as harmless to people, fish, and plants when diluted at scientifically calculated concentrations, which will be employed in this study,” said Clifton Bell, Professional Engineer with Brown and Caldwell.