Imagine strolling down a bustling inner-city street, only to find the gutters streaming with a fluorescent liquid that's pooling in crevices and stretching across entire road crossings. This was the bewildering sight that greeted Sydneysiders on Enmore Road in the city's inner west, sparking a wave of concern and curiosity among the local community.

The bright green liquid, reflecting vividly against the sun, quickly became the talk of the town. Concerned residents took to social media to seek answers, with one passerby posting online, 'Does anyone know what this is?' The responses ranged from serious to humorous, with some suggesting the substance looked toxic and others quipping it might be 'probably peppermint ice cream.' But despite the speculation, the true nature of the green spectacle remained a mystery.


As it turns out, the fluorescent green coloration of the water is likely due to 'plumber's dye,' a substance commonly used to trace and identify leaks in underground systems. This dye, known for its bright hue and ability to dissipate quickly once diluted, is a tool in the plumber's arsenal for tackling the unseen problems that lurk beneath our city streets.


The dye in question contains fluorescein, a compound that gives the liquid its distinctive glow. Despite its alarming appearance, fluorescein is considered non-toxic to the environment and is odorless, making it a safe choice for such applications. However, the use of any chemical in public spaces should always be handled with care. Ian Wright, a water scientist and associate professor at Western Sydney University, has previously emphasized the importance of caution, noting that 'being able to see a visible stain is a cause for concern.' Yet, he also acknowledges that such a visible sign could be instrumental in helping plumbers prevent a potential sewage or wastewater leak from contaminating natural waterways.


This isn't the first time Australians have encountered such a strange occurrence. Similar reports have emerged from other parts of the country, with residents in Manly witnessing the green fluorescent liquid in March and another incident reported at Rushcutters Bay Park in Sydney back in 2020.

In light of the recent event, Yahoo News reached out to the Inner West Council for further comment, seeking to clarify the situation and ensure the public's concerns are addressed.

While the sight of bright green water may be startling, it's a reminder of the hidden infrastructure that keeps our cities running smoothly and the unseen efforts to maintain it.


For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, have you ever encountered anything like this in your local area? What was your initial reaction, and how was the situation resolved? Share your stories in the comments below – we'd love to hear about the unique and sometimes mysterious events that unfold in our communities.