EMA: Harmless Red Tint Possible in Tuscarawas River
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (June 3, 2026) – Tuscarawas County residents may notice a red tint in the river in the coming days, emergency officials say.
EMA Director Jennifer James says the discoloration, reported upstream in Stark County, comes from a food-grade dye and poses no risk to the public.
The dye originated from a manufacturing facility and was being processed through Massillon’s wastewater treatment plant under EPA guidance.
As containment booms were removed, the color was expected to move downstream and could become visible locally.
Residents can follow updates from the county EMA on Facebook.