Why waters around Oak Harbor will turn red, briefly

Don't be alarmed if you see the water around Whidbey Island turning red over the next week.

Washington state's health department will be dying the waters red on Sept. 12 for a targeted wastewater study. Officials are aiming to evaluate wastewater movement near the new Oak Harbor Clean Water Facility. The dye is being added to treated wastewater so it can be followed as it moves out into the open environment.

The Department of Health wants to see any potential impacts the water is having on nearby shellfish growing areas.

Health officials say the red color could be visible in and around Oak Harbor for about 24 hours. The color is a fluorescent dye called "rhodamine." DOH says it's non-toxic to humans, animals, and marine life.

The study is coming a few years later than scheduled. It was initially slated for 2019, but a tech issue delayed it. The Covid pandemic further put it on hold.