Residents Shocked After Sydney Harbour Water Mysteriously Turns Blood Red
Image: Red Water via 7News
Sydney residents were left stunned when they discovered blood-red water flowing into the harbour near Milson Park in Kirribilli on Monday.
Experts are investigating the cause of the vibrant red hue in the bay leading into Sydney Harbour.
A North Sydney Council spokesperson confirmed that they were aware of the blood-red water.
“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.”
“We have reported it to the EPA. The cause of the colour is likely to be plumbers dye which, while alarming in appearance, is safe and non toxic,” the spokesperson said.
The mysterious red water discovered in Sydney’s harbour comes just over two months after the same area was affected by bright green water.
Sydney Harbour’s blood red water mystery follows September’s green spill
In September, authorities were alerted to a “large spill of fluorescent green material” that was traced to a nearby stormwater drain, where fluorescein, a non-toxic substance, had leaked out.
The bright green colouring was observed in Careening Cove at Milson Park, Kirribilli, located near Sydney’s central business district and one of the Prime Minister’s official residences.
Fluorescein, which breaks down under UV light, is often used because its distinctive green colour makes it easy to trace.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry confirmed that the green liquid had entered “our beautiful Sydney Harbour” via the drainage system at Kirribilli.
“Because it is such an old, heavily populated area it’s probably impossible to find where it started – there are probably thousands of points, like homes and stormwater drains, which lead into the harbour,” Superintendent Dewberry told Sydney Morning Herald at the time.
Sydney Water workers managed to flush the drain by around 6:40 p.m.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority is currently investigating the blood-red water.
An EPA spokesperson said the substance reported in Careening Cove on Monday appeared to be plumbers’ dye which is commonly used in plumbing/drain testing and dissipates quickly once diluted.
The dye has now dissipated and is no longer visible.
“Officers from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and North Sydney Council made enquiries into the matter but were unable to find a source for the dye,” the spokesperson said.
Anyone concerned about possible water pollution should contact the EPA’s 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555 as soon as possible to ensure their concerns can be investigated promptly.
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