Mysterious Vermilion Stream in Buenos Aires Suburb Raises Pollution Alarm

The stream's alarming transformation has been linked to possible industrial pollution, with local authorities investigating the matter. The event highlights ongoing environmental issues in Argentina's waterways and the challenges posed by industrial waste disposal.

A stream in Sarandí, a suburb located approximately six miles south of Buenos Aires, has turned an unusual shade of red this week, alarming local residents and authorities who suspect industrial pollution may be responsible. Reports indicate that residents were awakened by a strong, unpleasant odor likened to garbage, coinciding with the startling color change of the water body.

Investigations have been initiated by the environmental ministry for the Province of Buenos Aires following the color change, which some officials speculate may stem from "some type of organic dye." Meanwhile, water samples have been collected for analysis, but results have yet to be released. Critics note the region's history of severe water pollution, particularly in the Matanza-Riachuelo River basin, a waterway long recognized for its contamination issues.

Maria Ducomls, a longtime resident, expressed her distress at the sight, stating, “It looked like a river covered in blood.” She recalled previous instances when the stream exhibited various colors, including bluish and purplish, alongside an oily surface, attributing these phenomena to persistent pollution in the area.

Moira Zellner, an environmental expert familiar with Buenos Aires, highlighted the chronic regulatory failures that have contributed to this troubling situation. “There’s a huge, long history of pollution in the rivers of Buenos Aires, and it’s really heartbreaking,” she emphasized, noting the detrimental impacts on local populations.

Local chemical experts, like Carlos Colángelo, echoed concerns regarding the possibility of unethical dumping by factories in the area. “A company that would have dumped this is totally unscrupulous,” he stated, urging for regulatory accountability while awaiting water analysis results.

This alarming incident further exposes the ongoing environmental challenges facing Buenos Aires’ waterways, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of pollution regulations and heightened public awareness surrounding local water quality.