Authorities say orange water pollutant in Dubai Marina ‘harmless’

The waters of Dubai Marina turned orange on Thursday. Courtesy Stewart Clarke

DUBAI // The discolouration of the water in Dubai Marina was caused by a leakage of harmless construction materials, the Municipality said on Friday.

The water in the Marina turned orange on Thursday prompting concerns by residents of the area who shared images on social media.

Dubai Municipality sent officials to the area on Friday to investigate the cause of the discolouration.

Preliminary inspections indicated that the water turned orange due to a leakage of Bentonite, a naturally occuring material which is composed of clay and is used during construction.

The Bentonite, which is usually refined from volcanic ash, spread to the canal via the drainage system following excavation works related to a construction project at Qarn Al Sabkha.

Authorities said the leakage was neither harmful to humans nor marine life and has since been plugged and the water has returned to it’s normal state.

Dubai Municipality said that it has put in place clear safety procedures to tackle any challenges to the environment efficiently and safely. It also has plans and processes in place to protect the health of people and preserve the environment, reported state news agency Wam.