Fountain Hills Withholds Dye Cost, Environmental Safety Data | The Locally Times
As Fountain Hills plans to dye its fountain green three times in March 2026, public records omit the dye's cost and environmental impact.
The Town of Fountain Hills plans to dye its signature public fountain green on three separate occasions in March 2026 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. While the town has publicized the schedule and associated festivities, public records do not contain details regarding the environmental impact of the dye, its chemical composition, or the cost of the annual tradition. ## Town Plans Three 'Greenings' for St. The first event, the Irish Fountain Fest, is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Fountain Park. On that day, the fountain will be dyed green at noon and again at 4 p.m. The fountain will be dyed a third time at noon on St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The town's announcement details the festival, which will include live Celtic rock music, Irish folk performances, and traditional Irish dance. The event will also feature a free Kids' Zone with rock walls and inflatables, local food trucks with Irish-themed menus, and an event-wide beer garden. The announcement indicates the garden will be larger than in previous years but does not provide specific dimensions. The town is also introducing a non-alcoholic Guinness 0.0 option for the 2026 festival. ## Public Records Omit Dye Safety and Environmental Data A review of the town's public announcements and meeting records provides no information about the dye used to color the fountain. The documents do not specify the substance's chemical composition, its manufacturer, or any environmental safety certifications. Records also do not include any environmental impact assessments conducted prior to the dye's use, nor do they address the potential effects on the water quality of the man-made lake, local wildlife, or the fountain's mechanical systems. The town has not published a policy regarding the environmental considerations of the annual practice. ## Financial Transparency and Approval Process Unclear The cost to taxpayers for the green dye and the associated labor for its three applications is not detailed in the town's announcements or other publicly available budget documents. The source of funding for the materials and the 'greening' process is not specified. The approval process for dyeing the fountain is also not outlined in the provided records. The records do not indicate which town department selects and procures the dye, what criteria are used, or how the expenditure is authorized annually.