RESIDENTS in an idyllic seaside resort are baffled after the water in their harbour turned orange - and no one knows why.
The Fanta-coloured water seeped into Whitehaven Harbour in Cumbria at the end of the last year.
Experts are now carrying out a survey on the groundwater above a Network Rail tunnel nearby.
Although water did not come from the tunnel, the survey will allow the experts to build a 3D "hydrogeological" map of the area identifying its source.
Earlier tests by the Environment Agency on the water found "increased metals" - although no sewage was picked up.
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Network Rail told the BBC: "Our teams are continuing to help investigate the exact source of the water discolouration in Whitehaven harbour.
"This involves ongoing technical surveys of groundwater conditions in the land above a railway tunnel which takes the Cumbrian Coast line under the town.
"When these tests are complete, we will share the information with the council and other agencies to help get to the bottom of where the discoloured water is coming from."
The results of the new investigation will be released in three months.
Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners said: "It's not straightforward but hopefully we can then look at a solution to then stop the discoloured water entering Bransty Beck and then into the harbour."
A spokesman added that it would only take a few weeks for the harbour to clear up once the source of the orange water was bunged up.
It comes after residents of a seaside town slammed as the "worst place on earth" hit back and said how lucky they feel to live there.
Locals in another seaside town ranked one of the UK's best are terrified their picturesque cliffs could collapse because of a rat infestation.
Residents in a third seaside town living next to the UK's smelliest factory say the odour is so horrific it made them suicidal.
