You may have noticed purple street lights scattered around Phoenix, an unusual sight for people used to the default orange glow.
Through KJZZ’s Q&AZ reporting project, a listener asked: Why are the streetlights purple?
Purple streetlights are the result of a manufacturing defect.
In 2015, Phoenix began developing plans to use energy-efficient LED lights. The switch saves the city approximately $3.5 million in annual energy costs.
According to Gregg Bach with Phoenix’s Street Transportation Department, the defect causes the lights’ phosphor layer to delaminate, revealing a purple glow.
The city has started replacing bulbs, at no cost to the city or taxpayers.
Sky Schaudt/KJZZ
