WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather, and Sports |Water services reps investigate red water

Water services reps investigate red water

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Those who work in the area have thoughts as to what might be the cause but Metro Water officials blame algae.

For months, the water in a runoff canal that runs through Metro Center, just to the north of downtown Nashville, has been bright red in color.

After receiving several complaints from people who work in the business park, Metro Water Services sent officials to investigate.

"People see this and they think it's really a big deal, which it could be, but we need to come out and investigate it, sometimes, like I say, it ends up being a natural phenomenon," said Michael Hunt with Metro Water Services.

Hunt told News 2 the department keeps databases on different water quality issues they've encountered in the past, and the red water in Metro Center was determined to be caused by algae.

"We had a record of this.  In fact, last year, we took samples and did analysis found out what type it was," he said.

Hunt said while the algae can make it hard for some animals to get all the oxygen they need, the health risk is minimal.

"We have been watching this and we'll continue to watch it," he added.

Metro Water Services told News 2 while in Metro Center they know what is causing the water to turn red they encourage residents to call them with any concerns they might have.