Shirahone, one of Japan’s best-known spa resorts, was caught adding chemical bath salts to keep the famous milky-white color of its curative springs.

The naturally milky water has been believed for centuries to alleviate stomach and other ailments, but recently has been losing the color. Japanese media reported that spa operators in the area secretly began adding bath salts seven years ago.

“We couldn’t allow the destruction of our image as the milky spa. We are very sorry,” a newspaper quoted the head of the local spa operators’ association as saying. Spa visitors told a reporter they felt sad and betrayed. The paper said the spas have stopped the practice since the story came to light.

Source: Reuters.