(JACKSON, Miss.) — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) will be installing electronic monitoring equipment this week to help conduct a water sampling survey on the Little Tallahatchie River in Union County.

During the survey, a bright red, non-toxic dye will be released into the water near Highways 15 and 22. This dye is not toxic or hazardous. People should not be alarmed if they notice red coloration in the water. The dye is not harmful to people, plants, wildlife, fish, or seafood.

Residents are asked not to tamper with the equipment that will be mounted on rebar, fenceposts, PVC poles, or buoys. The equipment will be removed after the sample are collected this week. The dye will dissipate quickly in the water; and the waterbody will return to its normal state and color.

###