IT is not everyday you awake to find water coloured almost luminous green, but residents in this Teesside town did just that earlier this week.

The Coatham Marsh Nature Reserve in Redcar appeared completely green as streams and pools suprised residents on Tuesday.

On social media, concerned neighbours asked who would be the best contact to report the phenomenon as residents were left completely puzzled by it.

The Northern Echo: Picture: IAN SIMPSONPicture: IAN SIMPSON

Striking pictures captured by Ian Simpson showed just how different the water had become as people noticed the green liquid coming from the draining area.

But the Environment Agency has this afternoon explained why exactly the water has been turned this colour.

A spokesperson confirmed it the colour had been down to a "harmless" dye used, which is understood is used to assist in maintenance and sometimes leak finding.

They said: “Although highly visible, it is a harmless drain dye which will not have any impact on the watercourse.”