Fountain Hills Records Lack Fountain Dye Safety, Cost Details | The Locally Times
As Fountain Hills plans to dye its signature fountain green three times for St. Patrick's Day, public records omit the dye's chemical composition, cost, and environmental safety data.
Patrick’s Day celebrations. According to a March 14, 2026, meeting record, the town plans to dye the fountain at noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, and again at noon on Tuesday, March 17. The festival, scheduled for March 14 at Fountain Park, is promoted by the town with details on its attractions. The document also describes an event-wide beer garden, which will be expanded, though records do not quantify the size increase. The garden will offer a non-alcoholic Guinness 0.0 option alongside other beers and seltzers. A lineup of local food trucks is also slated to offer Irish-themed menu items. ## Records Silent on Dye Composition and Safety While town announcements detail the festival’s schedule and amenities, a review of public records reveals no information regarding the dye used to turn the fountain green. The chemical composition of the substance, its potential environmental effects, and its safety for local wildlife are not specified in any available town documents. Records do not include safety data sheets or any form of environmental impact assessment related to the annual practice. Furthermore, the public record does not indicate that any local or county-level environmental agencies have reviewed or approved the process. Documents from the Town of Fountain Hills do not contain permits or correspondence from entities such as the Maricopa County Air Quality Department or other water quality boards regarding the introduction of the dye into the fountain’s water system. The total quantity of dye to be used for the three separate greening events is also not specified. ## Accountability and Costs Undocumented Beyond environmental questions, key details regarding the cost and oversight of the fountain dyeing are absent from public records. The town’s announcements do not include the budget for the dye or the cost of its application. The specific department responsible for the expenditure and the approval process for the purchase are not documented. Furthermore, the records do not contain any resident inquiries, official discussions, or formal challenges related to the ecological implications of the tradition.