By Alexandra Feiam of news.com.au
Residents in Sydney were shocked to discover mysterious red water in a bay that runs into Sydney Harbour, leaving experts puzzled about its cause.
The ruby red water was discovered on Careening Cover, flowing through Milson Park in Kirribilli on Monday.
Residents in Sydney were shocked this morning to discover mysterious red water in the bay that runs into Sydney Harbour, leaving experts puzzled. Picture: 7News
The wine-coloured water was reported to the North Sydney Council, and while there is no known source for the change in colour, the council suspects it was caused by plumbers’ dye.
“Council is aware of the red water flowing into the harbour from Milson Park, and officers have investigated but have not been able to find the source,” a spokesperson explained.
The incident has been reported to the NSW Environmental Protection Authority.
An investigation by the EPA is currently underway to locate the source of the dye.
“North Sydney Council alerted us to what appears to be red plumbers’ dye in a drain at Kirribilli this afternoon and we are currently investigating the potential source,” a spokesperson for the EPA said.
It’s believed the red was caused by plumbers’ dye, also known as fluorescein, a solution commonly used in plumbing or drain testing that dissipates quickly once diluted.
“Fluorescein has low toxicity but even small amounts can be highly visual and for this reason its use should always be minimised,” the spokesperson told NewsWire.
