Dubai Marina's orange water mystery solved

Dubai Municipality has identified the substance that turned the water in Dubai Marina to reddish-orange on Thursday late afternoon.

On Friday evening, the Municipality confirmed that the it was caused by a substance called 'bentonite', which was released on a construction site in Qarn Al Sabkha - connected to Marina through a drainage system.

DM took the necessary measures to ensure that no more of this substance is released through the system. While the initial investigation showed it is bentonite, samples were taken for further testing.

The substance is used during the digging that takes place on a construction site so it holds the 'hole in the ground' and strengthens the soil before the casting or concrete is poured in.

Eng. Talib Julfar, Assistant Director-General of Dubai Municipality for Environment and Public Health Services Sector, had earlier said a nearby construction site was mostly the factor of contaminating Dubai Marina's water colour that turned it into Reddish-orange.

"It is probably a substance that contactors use to strengthen weak soil. The substance is used as contractors pour the casting after they dewater the area," Julfar told Khaleej Times, noting that the substance probably made its way to the water.

He stressed that the negative effect is only on the color, without affecting the safety of the water. He added that the team is working to clean the water and recover its color.