Be careful with bright coloured dye, says EPA

By Benalla Ensign

Sep 11, 2024

Fluorescein is non-toxic but very concentrated so even where it doesn’t affect the environment, it can still cause problems by diverting EPA investigators from more serious pollution.

A series of incidents that turned creeks and stormwater drains bright blue, green or orange has prompted a call to plumbers and other tradies to be extra careful with the coloured marker dye they use in their work.

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EPA Victoria says the dye, called fluorescein, is non-toxic but very concentrated so even where it doesn’t affect the environment, it can still cause problems by diverting EPA investigators from more serious pollution.

EPA Northeast regional manager Renee Palmer says it can also be distressing for communities and Traditional Owners to see natural waterways stained an unnatural colour.

“Fluorescein is most often used by plumbers to check pipe connections or spot leaks. It is useful and non-toxic, but it is also highly concentrated, so it’s easy to overdo it,” Ms Palmer said.

“EPA will investigate any contaminant in a waterway in case it’s a hazardous chemical, but this year we’ve responded to numerous incidents involving fluorescein that took up investigators’ time and could easily have been prevented.

“That means tradies being extra careful when using fluorescein. If you accidentally use too much or notice it entering the stormwater system, report it to EPA.”

If you see bright coloured dye or other contaminants entering a stormwater drain or waterway, take a photo and call EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or provide details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution

By Benalla Ensign

Benalla Ensign