Effluent, mainly made up of sewage, is still seeping into Pieta Creek and Hay Wharf as health authorities believe there is another leak in one of the pipes within the complex sewage network.

A spokesman for the health authorities confirmed that while one leak had been sealed off in recent days, another pipe was letting out sewage.

The issue was highlighted by The Sunday Times last week after residents found the rancid stench in the area unbearable, coupled with a dense, milky white patch that had begun to slowly spread through the sea. However, the powerful stink still persists.

Malta Dairy Products, although never identified by the health authorities, had confirmed to The Sunday Times that one of its pipes had sustained damage and was repaired.

The health authorities’ spokesman said the sewage system was very complex and it took time to identify the sources of the leak. Fluorescent tests were carried out last week where a luminous substance was injected into the sewer, he explained.

However, this was a process that took time, the spokesman added.

Asked whether the inlet would be cleaned, the health authorities said the area would clear itself naturally since it is not the bathing season and the area in question was not used by swimmers.

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