Residents stunned by horrifying impacts of local infrastructure failure: 'The entire area smelled like chlorinated dead fish'

A water main break led to significant ecosystem damage, according to a Redditor on r/Austin. 

"The Bull Creek is an environmentally sensitive and protected area that was impacted as a result of this leak," wrote the original poster, alongside some photos of the site. "Silt deposits can be found along 1/2 mile stretch of the creek. Beautiful populations of native wildflowers were destroyed by the current/debris/silt deposits. Additionally, hundreds of dead fish littered the banks of the creek. The entire area smelled like chlorinated dead fish."

The violent water leak was caused by a road construction mishap, according to Fox 7. The water was feeding a corporate site, so service interruptions were minimal for residents. 

Roadwork poses loads of ecological issues. It can cut through the root systems of trees or introduce toxic radon to the environment. Fortunately, concerted opposition to road expansions can bear fruit. One major project through a Sri Lankan national park was stopped after legal protections for wildlife were upheld. 

While construction creates its own costs for waterside ecosystems in Austin, people have been known to leave litter along hiking trails and in public parks on holidays.  Regardless of the source, debris can introduce microplastics to waters that bioaccumulate in fish, which humans eventually catch and eat. 

The OP later reported that Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and Austin Watershed were all investigating the ecological damage caused by the leak. Still, the Reddit community was disturbed by the damage caused by the Austin water main break. 

"Thanks for documenting. Sad to see all the dead fish. Bull Creek is my favorite natural area in town. I'm sure it will recover, but still bums me out," said one Redditor. 

"I am also enraged and heartbroken to see this as I'm a regular hiker and feel this is quite literally my backyard," said another.

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