Rain collected in pails in S'pore reveal haze-infused rainwater blackish & filthy
People online expressed shock that the water can be so dirty.
Photos and videos have surfaced online depicting the condition of rainwater collected in containers in Singapore following a rainstorm on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The rainwater in the receptacles was observed to have a greyish and blackish hue. Numerous photos and videos showcasing this occurrence were shared on social media platforms.
Expressing surprise at the phenomenon, some individuals questioned whether the pails or the surrounding area might have been dirty or contaminated beforehand, leading to the discoloration of the rainwater. Others speculated that the photos and videos could have been fabricated, as they did not demonstrate public housing complexes or streets covered in soot.
Respondents to these concerns showcased additional photos and videos from Singapore, illustrating the same impurities in the collected rainwater. Those who were taken aback by this phenomenon stated that the same contaminants observed in the water would also be present in people's lungs due to the inhalation of haze particles. The origin of this occurrence lies in the composition of haze, which consists of soot, ash, and unburned carbon.
When rainwater interacts with the air, a process called wet deposition or rain scavenging occurs, wherein fine particles, including PM2.5, are removed from the atmosphere.
Written by urgent.news from Mothership's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
