Pasir Ris Residents Concerned Over Possible Pollution After Spotting Foamy Water That This Monitor Lizard Was Soaking In

At first glance, it looked like a monitor lizard had discovered Singapore's newest outdoor spa. Except this isn't quite a "bubble bath" for reptiles.

A video circulating on social media has sparked concern after showing a monitor lizard calmly soaking in white, foamy water at Sungei Api Api river in Pasir Ris.

Shared on July 5, the clip showed the reptile appearing unbothered as it lounged in the water, surrounded by what looked like soapy foam.

The concerned netizen who shared the video wrote: “This morning, my friend witnessed this sad sight of a monitor lizard 'bathing' in soapy residue that was pouring into Sungei Api Api at Pasir Ris. Is this what our wildlife has to put up with?”

The OP also claimed that this was not the first time such foamy discharge had been seen in the area.

The video quickly drew concerned reactions online, with some agreeing that they had seen the soap-like foam appear from time to time.

Several also called for investigations into where the foam was coming from and whether it posed any risk to wildlife.

At the moment, it remains unclear what has caused the white foamy residue in the river.

It is also unknown whether the substance poses any risk to the monitor lizard or other animals living in and around the waterway.

Not all foam found in waterways is necessarily caused by pollution.

In some cases, naturally occurring organic matter can also produce foam under certain conditions.

In response to queries from 8days.sg, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said it deployed officers to investigate after being alerted to the video posted on the Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook page on July 5.

According to the agency, officers found no unusual discharge at Sungei Api Api or in the nearby drains. NEA also said there were no reports of water pollution in the surrounding area.

Nevertheless, the agency has reminded the management of nearby residential developments, as well as resident networks and schools in the vicinity, to ensure that their activities do not result in the discharge of soapy water or other polluting substances into public drains.

NEA also encouraged members of the public who come across unusual discharges into waterways to report them via the OneService app. When making a report, the agency advises providing the exact location, date and time of the incident, together with photos or videos to facilitate investigations.

Photos: Singapore Wildlife Sightings/Facebook