Sydney Harbour, Australia experienced a surprising phenomenon as the water at Milson Park in Kirribilli turned blood red, alarming both residents and visitors. The likely cause of this unusual color change is attributed to plumbers' dye, a non-toxic substance commonly used to detect leaks in plumbing systems. The red water was observed flowing from a storm drain into Carining Bay, a popular tourist destination near the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Local authorities, including the North Sydney Council, have initiated an investigation to pinpoint the exact source of the dye, although they have already notified the New South Wales Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for further action.
This incident is not isolated, as Sydney has previously witnessed strange water color changes. For instance, in September, a bay near Hippodrome Street turned fluorescent green, which was also linked to a harmless substance. The EPA confirmed that the plumbers' dye is not hazardous to the environment, and rainwater is expected to help restore the water to its natural state.
Water color changes are not unique to Sydney. Similar occurrences have been reported globally, such as the deep purple color of Lake Allgäu in Germany, caused by purple sulfur bacteria surfacing due to low oxygen levels. In 2021, a pond near the Dead Sea in Jordan turned pink due to increased salinity and temperature fluctuations. These events highlight the importance of monitoring environmental changes and the potential impacts of human activities on natural water bodies.
