Why Rímac River in Lima, Peru turned pink?

Residents of Lima were shocked earlier this week when the waters of the Rímac River suddenly turned a bright pink color. Videos and images of the unusual sight quickly spread across social media, raising concerns about water pollution and safety.

The Metropolitan Municipality of Lima (MML) in Peru is investigating the cause of the reddish discoloration in the Rímac River, reported on February 4. Samples were taken on Tuesday night and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Mario Casaretto, president of Emape, suggested that… pic.twitter.com/izmnoujSkO

— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) February 6, 2025

Why it matters

The Rímac River, which runs through Peru’s capital, is a crucial source of drinking water for nearly 10 million people in Lima and Callao. The unexpected colour change has prompted an official investigation by authorities, including the National Water Authority and the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima.

Peru’s National Water Authority confirmed that its team had visited the river and taken water samples for analysis. In a statement, it promised to continue monitoring water quality and to take immediate action if any harmful substances were detected.

Sedapal, Lima’s water and sewer service company, also addressed public concerns. It assured residents that the treatment of drinking water remains normal and meets safety standards. The company clarified that the discolouration appeared downstream of its water intake points, meaning it does not affect the city’s water supply.

Possible causes: pollution or industrial waste?

As of Thursday, no official explanation has been given for the pink water. However, environmental expert Maria Angelica Villasante suggested that the colour change could be due to pollutants from nearby industrial plants. Some believe mining waste or chemicals dumped into the river may be responsible.

Mario Casaretto, president of Emape, raised similar concerns, stating that toxic waste from an irresponsible company may have caused the contamination.

The Rímac River has long struggled with pollution, often being used as a dumping ground for garbage and industrial waste. Local authorities have yet to confirm if the latest incident is linked to human activity or natural causes.

The strange pink river left many locals puzzled and worried. Social media users shared videos and photos, questioning whether the water was safe and calling for urgent action.

One user wrote, “I just passed the Rímac River and it’s completely red. What is happening?”

Others speculated about possible causes, with some even jokingly blaming a “curse.”

What happens next?

The National Water Authority has assured the public that it will share test results with the relevant authorities and take action if contamination is confirmed. Until then, many remain concerned about the long-term health of the Rímac River and its impact on Lima’s water supply.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and residents are eager for answers. For now, the mystery of Lima’s pink river remains unsolved.

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