River Irwell turns green amid ‘milk dump’ speculationInvestigations are being carried outView 3 Images The River Irwell was discoloured by an 'unidentified substance' on Saturday, August 8 (Image: Councillor Ken Simpson)An ‘unidentified substance’ has been seen to have turned the River Irwell a ‘milky green’ colour. United Utilities, which is responsible for water and waste water services in the region, said the spill was not coming from its network. View 3 Images The River Irwell was discoloured by an 'unidentified substance' on Saturday, August 8 (Image: Councillor Ken Simpson)‌He said: “I’ve just been to the location of what appears to be a spillage of an unidentified substance into the River Irwell alongside the new footbridge on Rectory Lane. United Utilities are on scene but have already confirmed it isn’t one of their outlets but a private drain from one of Radcliffe's ancient “goits” which now run beneath local housing. Article continues belowA United Utilities spokesman said: “Following reports of pollution in the River Irwell in Radcliffe on Saturday, our teams inspected our assets and confirmed the substance was not linked to our network.”