A burst water main has been blamed for a creek flowing into Oyster Bay turning muddy brown on Monday this week.
Residents feared industrial pollution was to blame because Oyster Creek flows through Kirrawee before reaching the gully between Kareela and Oyster Bay, where the discolouration was observed.
“I grew up and lived at Oyster Bay for the best part of 72 years and have never seen the creek this colour, even before the development of Kareela as a housing estate,” said one resident.
A Sutherland Shire Council spokeswoman said the Environmental Health Unit investigated the incident after receiving several complaints from the public.
“Due to the large volume of water discharging into the creek it was immediately suspected by council that there was a burst Sydney Water water main,” the spokeswoman said.
“Upon further investigation, it was revealed that a large water main on Acacia Road, Kirrawee, had burst.
“Sydney Water has repaired the main and currently have crews onsite doing environmental testing at various locations.”