Story By: Angjela Trajkovska, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: CEN

Video Credit: CEN/@camilochara

Environmental authorities are investigating a suspected dumping of chemical waste after a city river suddenly turned an artificially bright blue and started giving off a strong smell.

Concerned residents in the small industrial city of Yumbo in the western Colombian department of Valle del Cauca are worried that the alleged contamination may be harmful, according to reports.

Local authorities said that the discolouration appeared in certain places in the area’s sewage system although an initial investigation into nearby paint companies did not bring forward any leads.

Pictures Credit: CEN/Twitter & CEN/@camilochara

Sewage official Marcelo Delgado said that it unlikely that the discolouration will cause any water supply problems for the local community, although samples are currently being tested to establish what caused the Yumbo River to turn bright blue.

As Yumbo does not have a wastewater treatment system, the contaminated water will continue downstream until it meets the Cauca River.

Jairo Gonzalez, manager of the Official Public Companies of Yumbo, told local media: “We have not yet determined the source of the coloured discharge.”

Local resident Xenen Chilito, said: “We do not know where it comes from, it is like someone dumped paint in the water.”

According to reports, the substance causing the discolouration also has a strong odour.

The investigation is ongoing.

Netizen ‘Claudia Patricia Rondon Poloche’ commented: “Water contamination around here is horrible.”