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A video circulating on social media about sulfur water provided false information to the public, according to Umm Al Quwain Municipality. Image Credit: Screengrab

Dubai: Authorities in the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain have responded to allegations that sulfur water was present in a well.

An online video that circulated during the weekend across networking sites claimed that a resident had discovered contaminated water in groundwater well. 

On its official Twitter account, Umm Al Quwain Municipality denied the presence of sulfur water in one of the areas of the emirate.

“The information in the online video was incorrect and malicious, and the person responsible for publishing the video on social networking sites will be held fully responsible for their actions,” said the municipality.  

Obaid Sultan Tuwirish, acting director general of Umm Al Quwain Municipality, confirmed that the authority has already closed seven groundwater wells in the emirate, and will impose strict penalties according to the Federal Groundwater Law and the Public Health and Environment Law.

According to the UAE’s anti-cybercrime law, people who circulate rumours can be fined up to Dh1 million.

•  Up to Dh1 million fine if you do this

The clarification was made to curb the spread of inaccurate information, according to the municipality, “and to prevent false news from spreading among residents through social media.” 

What is sulfur water?

Sulfur in the water supply can be recognised by its foul odor. Hydrogen sulfide gas causes the "rotten-egg" or sulfur water smell.

Hydrogen sulfide dissolved in water corrodes metals such as iron, steel, copper and brass. It is during this process that ferrous sulfide or ‘black water’ is formed. 

While hydrogen sulfide in water causes no known health effects, high concentration levels do change the taste of the water.