Measurement of time of travel in streams by dye tracing

The use of fluorescent dyes and tracing techniques provides
a means for measuring the time-of-travel and dispersion
characteristics of steady and gradually varied flow in
streams. Measurements of the dispersion and concentration
of dyes give insight into the behavior of soluble contaminants
that may be introduced into a stream.
This manual describes methods of measuring time of
travel of water and waterborne solutes by dye tracing. The
fluorescent dyes, measuring equipment used, and the field
and laboratory procedures are also described.
Methods of analysis and presentation to illustrate time-oftravel
and dispersion characteristics of streams are provided.