Don't Be Alarmed When The Wissahickon Turns Green

WISSAHICKON VALLEY, PA — The Wissahickon is going green this September.

Environmental nonprofit Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) announced on Monday that upcoming water quality testing on the creek could have some strange side effects.

FOW, who are stewards of much of the park's Philadelphia section, said that scientists from Temple University and the Academy of Natural Sciences will be conducting tests throughout the month. And they will be using a dye which could turn parts of the creek a fluorescent green color.

So if you happen to notice the discolored water, it's not toxic sludge. But experts are working hard to determine just what contaminants do exist in the creek.

The tests are being run with assistance from the state Department of Environmental Protection, and are funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation, FOW said.

Image via Wayne Heinze