USGS dye‑tracer study proposed for Fraser River to map groundwater inputs
USGS researchers (presented by county water quality manager) proposed an October dye‑tracer study in the Fraser River reach to identify groundwater inputs; presenters said the fluorescent dye is used at low, non-toxic concentrations and results would guide targeted groundwater sampling and management.
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Catherine Morris, Grand County water quality manager, presented a proposed USGS (NGWOS) dye‑tracer study for the Fraser River designed to identify locations where groundwater enters the channel and quantify contributions to baseflow. She explained the approach: inject a fluorescent dye at a controlled concentration, measure the downstream concentration with fluorometers, and interpret dilution patterns to locate groundwater inputs. "They ramp it up until they reach a static or stable concentration…and as that concentration travels downstream if there's an input of groundwater it's going to dilute," Morris said.
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