News Release Archive

Dye Test to be Conducted at Grand Coulee Dam

Media Contact: Lynne Brougher, (509) 633-9503, lbrougher@usbr.gov
Kelly Bridges, kbridges@usbr.gov

For Release: February 08, 2010

The Bureau of Reclamation will conduct a dye test on February 11 at Grand Coulee Dam, located on the Columbia River about 90 miles west of Spokane, Wash.

The face of the dam may be slightly discolored as engineers inject a drum gate with approximately six pounds of biodegradable red dye. The movement of the dye will help to determine where the drum gate is leaking and the extent of future maintenance needs.

The dye is safe for the environment and harmless to animals and humans.

"This dye test will ensure the efficient operation of Grand Coulee Dam and continued reliability to provide electrical power in the Pacific Northwest," said Power Manager David Murillo. "The drum gate leak poses no danger to the public and the condition of the dam is sound."

Grand Coulee Dam produces enough electricity to supply more than 1 million homes in an average water year. The project also provides about one-quarter of the total generation of hydroelectric power for the Federal Columbia River Power System.

Grand Coulee Dam was completed in 1942 and serves as a multipurpose facility providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power production, flood control, recreation, fish, and wildlife.

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.