The mystery of the fluoro green water in a water course between the Fairways Apartments in Banks Street and Wollongong Golf Club is closer to being solved.
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Sydney Water has investigated the incident that was first noticed at 1.30pm on Monday by a resident in the area walking their dog.
A Sydney Water spokesperson said the colour of the water looks like the colour of fluorescein, a chemical dye that is often used when detecting leaks on stormwater or sewer pipes.
“Sydney Water has not had any reported jobs in the area for which that dye would have been used,” the spokesperson said.
“It could possibly have come from a plumber or council. Fluorescein is non-toxic fluorescent dye tracer used in a variety of applications. In a natural environment the dye will dissipate with dilution over time”.
A spokesperson for the Environment Protection Authority said NSW EPA officers inspected the site late on Monday and again on Tuesday morning and have taken photos and water samples.
“At this stage the EPA suspects the discoloration is due to the use of a fluorescein dye used in plumbing/drain tracing,” the spokesperson said.
“Even small amounts of the dye can be highly visual and attract attention and for this reason its use should always be minimised. The dye generally has a low toxicity.
“The EPA is liaising with Wollongong City Council to investigate the discolouration further and determine the next steps.
“If anyone has any information we encourage them to contact the EPA’s Environment Line, 131 555”.
The EPA said the catchment area was generally residential/commercial and there were no industrial facilities present in the immediate area.
More to come:
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
