Argentina Canal Turns Intense Red: Residents Fear Pollution

Authorities collect water samples to investigate cause of discolouration

By M Muzamil Shami - February 8, 2025

     The striking red color in the Argentina canal raises alarm among residents and authorities, who are investigating potential            pollution.

A canal in Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina, turned a striking red on Thursday, raising concerns among residents who feared a toxic spill may be behind the discolouration. According to BBC reports, videos and photographs showed the canal’s vibrant red water flowing into the Río de la Plata, which borders an ecological reserve, sparking fears about potential environmental contamination.

Following the sudden color change, local residents quickly expressed concerns to the media about pollution and its hazardous effects on the environment. Many residents speculated that the red hue could be due to aniline contamination or chemical waste from a nearby depot, as reported by Reuters.

Silvia, a local woman, told C5N, a local news channel, that while the water was red at the moment, it had previously appeared yellow with an acidic smell that caused throat irritation. “I live just a block from the canal,” she said, “and although the water has no smell today, it’s concerning. There aren’t many factories in the area, though there are warehouses.”

Another local, Maria Ducomls, shared with AFP that industries in the region often dump waste into the canal. She also recalled seeing the water change colors in the past, noting it had turned "bluish, greenish, pink, lilac, and sometimes had grease on top."

In response to the alarming event, authorities have collected water samples from the canal to identify the cause of the discolouration. Both the local municipality and the Buenos Aires Environment Ministry have launched an investigation into the matter, though early reports suggest the substance in the canal may not be toxic.

By late afternoon, the red color of the water began to fade, but the situation remains under investigation to ensure public health and environmental safety.