Harpur Hill Quarry, Limestone quarry and artificial lake in Harpur Hill, England
Harpur Hill Quarry is a limestone extraction site with a flooded section near Buxton. The water displays an intense turquoise color created by calcium carbonate particles suspended in the highly alkaline liquid.
The site operated as a limestone quarry from 1938 to 1960 and later transformed into an excavation area. During and after this period, the water developed its distinctive chemical composition through natural geological processes.
Local authorities have repeatedly dyed the water black to discourage recreational swimmers from entering the dangerous waters of the artificial lake.
The water with a pH of around 11.3 is unsuitable for swimming or drinking and should not be touched. The shoreline is partly accessible, but visitors should maintain distance from the water and heed warning signs.
Local authorities occasionally dye the water black to discourage swimmers, as the water body is too hazardous. This unusual measure demonstrates how serious the safety concerns are.
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