THE Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) says the sky-blue water found in wells in Garden Park area is safe for drinking. The strange water colour has caused anxiety among the affected residents in the area. The authority is yet to ascertain what is causing the colouring in the water, although it is suspected to be a food dye.

The source of the food dye is not yet known. But what has been established from investigations is that the ‘dye’ waters are flowing from east to west. Garden Park is an unplanned settlement lying on the periphery of an industrial zone.

There is a drink-making factory east of the contaminated zone. The area is also not serviced. WARMA, which has done some preliminary investigations, told journalists on site that the water is safe for consumption despite the colour. WARMA Kafue Catchment manager Alice Nchimunya said because of the colour, WARMA is carrying out more investigations