Mystery over why ‘hidden gem’ Humpybong Creek at Moreton Bay, Queensland suddenly turned electric blue – and locals are worried
Concerned residents living near a creek described by locals as a “hidden gem” were shocked to discover the water had mysteriously turned a bright blue colour.
A member of the public noticed on Monday morning that the water in Humpybong Creek at Moreton Bay in Brisbane’s north had turned aqua blue.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFD) officials were alerted before three fire crews arrived on the scene following reports of a possible chemical spill.
The fire department determined that approximately five square meters had initially been affected by the unusual color change.
A QFD spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that scientists have conducted tests and found the substance to be non-toxic.
A spokeswoman for Moreton Bay City Council told the Daily Mail they are investigating the unknown blue substance.
“There has been little spread and the spill remains localized. There are no indications of any current impact on wildlife,” the spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman said city officials have taken samples for assessment.
A member of the public noticed that the water in Humpybong Creek, in Moreton Bay, (pictured) in Brisbane’s north, had turned aqua blue on Monday morning
“These tests cannot identify the exact substance, but the test will indicate if there are significant contaminants, such as an increase in heavy metals,” the spokeswoman said.
It is not known what type of substance it is and how it ended up in the water.
It can take up to seven days to determine what is causing the drastic color change in the water.
Officers inspected stormwater systems within a quarter-mile (400 meters) of the affected area to determine where the substance came from.
The Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation for further comment.
Locals took to social media to express their anger at the bizarre sight, saying it could have consequences for the animals living in the area.
“Heartbreaking for the wildlife,” one person wrote.
“I hope those responsible are held accountable,” wrote another local resident.
Others thought the bright color made the creek look nicer.
“It looks great,” someone said.
The water could be removed from the creek by pumping out the contaminated fluid and then disposing of it properly.
Even experts are baffled by the strange discoloration.
Professor Stuart Khan, head of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Sydney, said the type of dust will be determined through chemical analysis.
Locals took to social media to vent their anger after the creek, which normally looks like this, suddenly changed colour (pictured: Humpybong Creek at Moreton Bay in Queensland)
“It does indeed look like copper contamination, which would be very easy to test for and confirm,” Professor Khan said. Yeah.
According to Professor Khan, who is also a water expert, copper is used as a chemical in ponds to kill algae.
He said that a significant amount of the mineral may have been used.
The creek is an important catchment area that drains untreated rainwater from various residential and urban areas.