Mystery as crystal clear river at beautiful UK vacationer hotspot turns filthy brown
A stunning UK tourist hotspot Swallow Falls’ ‘crystal clear waters’ have turned to an murky yellowy brown, however what caused this changed remains an unsolved mystery
The Swallow Fallow, a famous Welsh tourist hotspot, has raised concerns as its “crystal clear” water has turned a murky yellowish brown.
Investigators raced to the scene near Eryi, Snowdonia over fears of potential pollution and spills in the area that contributed to the river’s condition on December 28. Normally, Swallow Falls is an outstanding area of natural beauty and is one of Wales’ most visited attractions with its 42-meter high crystal clear continuous waterfall.
Afon Llugwy, home of Swallow Falls, is a tributary to the River Conway, it flows down the Carneddau range of mountains in Eryi. Officers at the Natural Resources Wales have opened an ongoing investigation on the issue.
Paula Harley, NRW’s operational manager, told North Wales Live: “We have received several reports of murky discoloration in the Afon Llugwy near Betws Y Coed. Officers were on sign shortly after the reports and we continued our investigation this morning.”
Some online reports have suggested that heavy rainfall from the winter might be responsible for the water change in coloration. The Coed Mar Pool Mine, an old lead processing option near Llyn Pencraig, has raised suspicion due to its links to an old 19th century drain adit.
An angling official club, responsible for reporting the discoloration has said online. “The adit and underground stream go far underground on the hillside. Probably something collapsed inside sending the water level higher and is discharging. NRW have called me back, they are also contacting fishing experts.”
Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has announced there is nothing wrong with their equipment that could cause the discoloration.
A spokesperson has said: “We have no assets at the location where the discoloured water was entering the river and all our assets in the area were checked and operating as they should be.”
What changed the colouration of Swallow Falls currently remains a mystery.
