A mysterious fluorescent liquid spotted “streaming down the gutters” of a busy inner-city street caused concern among local residents on Tuesday. The liquid was pooling in crevices and stretched entire road crossings along Enmore Road in Sydney’s inner west, reflecting brightly against the sun.
One worried passerby questioned what it was and asked for insight online. “Does anyone who was this is?” she asked. Many admitted the new addition to the street didn’t “look good” and one suggested “it looks toxic”, while another joked it’s “probably peppermint ice cream”. However, the question on what it was remained unanswered.
Fluorescent liquid likely ‘plumber’s dye’ used in drains
Despite the startling green colour, the liquid is likely ‘plumber’s dye’ often used to identify and track leaks in underground systems. It dissipates quickly once diluted.
In terms of toxicity, fluorescein is what gives the liquid its colour but is said to be “non-toxic to the environment” and is “odourless”.
However, one expert previously told Yahoo News the use of any chemicals in public spaces should be approached with caution.
“Any chemical product should be used very cautiously. Being able to see a visible stain is a cause for concern,” Ian Wright, water scientistic and associate professor at Western Sydney University, said. “But perhaps also it has helped a plumber stop a leak of sewage or other wastewater from a natural waterway”.
It’s not the first time the mysterious fluorescent liquid has appeared in Aussie waterways. Source: Facebook
There have been similar reports in other Aussie streets and waterways, with residents sighting a green fluorescent liquid in Manly back in March and another report coming from Rushcutters Bay Park in Sydney back in 2020.
Yahoo News contacted the Inner West Council for further comment.
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