Provider: Cornwall Live/BPM MEDIA
Source: Cornwall Live/BPM MEDIA(Credits: Cornwall Live/BPM MEDIA)
The Environment Agency is investigating a pollution incident after orange discharge was found in a stream in Cornwall.
The water at Nansmellyn Marsh Nature Reserve and Bolingey Stream in Perranporth turned a bright orange color this weekend.
Officers from the Environment Agency have been at the site today investigating the source and impact of the contaminated water.
Bathing water at Perranporth Beach has also been affected, the EA said, and as such, bathing in the area is not advised.
In a statement shared by Perranzabuloe Parish Council on Facebook, a spokesperson said: ‘We are aware and dealing with an ongoing pollution incident affecting the Bolingey stream and the bathing water at Perranporth.
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‘We have an officer on site investigating, but we are currently unsure of the source or the type of pollution. We can provide an update when we have further information.’
Why do rivers change colors?
The phenomenon of river water turning orange is not a new thing.
The most common cause for a change in color is minerals, according to AmericanRivers.org.
‘When a rock is weathered down over time,’ it says, ‘The minerals from the rock are dissolved, and small pieces are released into the water, causing different colors.
‘Iron, manganese, and calcium carbonate from limestone are all common minerals that can cause water to range in color from red and orange to green and blue.’
Sometimes, sewage dumps, algae blooms and other issues cause the normal river colors to turn wild colors.
However, in an update provided a short time later, the parish council said the Environment Agency confirmed the orange substance is iron ochre – one of the minerals that make up iron ore.
It said: “The EA are investigating what has changed in the area, as the marshland usually filters this out.
‘There is no harmful bacteria, but it may carry heavy metals. This is affecting Perranporth Beach, so bathing is not advised,’ they added.
A similar accident happened in 2024, turning huge stretches of the Afon Lwyd at Charlesville near Pontypool bright orange.
The Coal Authority in Wales said at the time it could have been a possible discharge of mine water.
And in 2023, a river turned bright orange and electric blue after clothing dyes were accidentally dumped into the water.
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