A POSSIBLE cause has been found for the drastic change in colour of the water in Whitehaven Harbour.

An investigation has been ongoing to discover what has caused the water to turn brown and now a possible source has been identified – but is not yet being disclosed to the public.

The Environment Agency said that analysis of water samples taken in December revealed an increase in metals in the water.

An ‘action plan’ was put in place with the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners working alongside Copeland Council, The Environment Agency, The Coal Authority and Network Rail.

A meeting will take place next week which will see the organisations discuss how the issue will be resolved.

Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “The geological experts think they have identified the source of the issue.

“We just need to get that clarified and deal with the other organisations that are involved and discuss who is going to be responsible for getting it sorted.

“I’m facilitating a meeting that will take place next week.”

John Baker, CEO of Whitehaven Harbour Commisoners, said: “We feel progress is being made. We’re narrowing down what the possible cause is, which is great.

“We have got a meeting again next week with all the various organisations getting around the table, to see what the next steps are.

“It does feel like a bit of progress. Let’s see what comes from the meeting next week and see where we go from there.”

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Analysis of water samples from Whitehaven Harbour taken in December found no evidence of sewage pollution.

“The results did show some increased metals in the water, and we are working with partners to determine the potential source.”

Campaigners from Radiation Free Lakeland have claimed that the contaminated water could be coming from one of the old mines in the Whitehaven area – but this has not yet been confirmed.

READ MORE: Action plan to find cause of colour change in Whitehaven harbour water