Environment Canada is investigating after reddish-brown water was spotted flowing from an outflow pipe on White Rock’s west beach Monday evening.
Greg St. Louis, White Rock’s director of engineering and municipal operations, said samples were taken Tuesday morning, and he expects to have a better idea of what caused the discoloration by week’s end.
St. Louis said possibilities include algae and leaves; it could also have resulted from someone power-washing brick pavers.
Efforts to track down the source were unsuccessful.
The water colour returned to normal early Tuesday.
Fraser Health officials “didn’t think there is any concern,” St. Louis said, and the beach remains open for public use.