Concerned residents living near a stream described by locals as a “hidden gem” were left shocked after discovering the water had mysteriously turned a bright electric blue hue.
A member of the public noticed the water in Humpybong Creek in Moreton Bay, north of Brisbane, had turned aqua blue on Monday morning.
Queensland Fire Department (QFD) officials were alerted before three fire crews were called to the scene following reports of a possible chemical spill.
Firefighters initially determined that the unusual color change had affected about five square meters.
A QFD spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that scientists conducted tests and found the substance was not poisonous.
A Moreton Bay Council spokeswoman told the Daily Mail that they are investigating the unknown blue substance.
“There has been little dispersal and the spill remains localised. There is no indication of any current impact on wildlife,” the spokeswoman said.
The spokeswoman said council officials have taken samples for assessment.
A member of the public noticed the water at Humpybong Creek, in Moreton Bay (pictured), north of Brisbane, had turned aqua blue on Monday morning.
“These tests will not be able to identify the exact substance, however the test will indicate whether there is any presence of significant contaminants such as any increase in heavy metals,” the spokeswoman said.
The type of substance is not known and it is not clear how it entered the water.
Tests to determine what caused the water to change color so dramatically could take up to seven days.
Officials have inspected the stormwater system within a quarter-mile radius of the impacted area to determine where the substance came from.
The Daily Mail has contacted the Department for Environment, Science and Innovation for further comment.
Locals took to social media to express their anger at the bizarre scene, saying it could affect animals living in the area.
“It’s heartbreaking for wildlife,” one person wrote.
“I hope whoever is responsible is held accountable,” wrote another local.
But others thought the bright color made the stream look better.
“It looks amazing,” one person said.
Water could be removed from the stream by pumping out the contaminated liquid before disposing of it properly.
Experts are also baffled by the strange discoloration.
University of Sydney Civil Engineering Department head Professor Stuart Khan said the type of substance would be determined through chemical analysis.
Locals expressed their anger on social media after the colour of the normally smoky creek suddenly changed (pictured: Humpybong Creek in Moreton Bay, Queensland)
“It looks like copper contamination, which would be very easy to analyse and confirm,” Professor Khan said. Yahoo.
Professor Khan, who is also a water expert, said copper has been used as a chemical in ponds to kill algae.
He said if that were the case, it is possible that a significant amount of the mineral had been used.
The creek is a major watershed that carries untreated stormwater from several residential and urban areas.
