Watershed Protection investigates impact of Spicewood Springs water main break
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Monday's water main break on Spicewood Springs Road has had an impact on the nearby watershed, according to Austin Water.
An Austin Water spokesperson said Thursday that the department has been collaborating with the city's Watershed Protection Department (WPD) since the main broke. On Wednesday, that team-up found around 100 dead fish in the vicinity.
That area is also home to the Jollyville Plateau Salamander, a federally protected, threatened species. The spokesperson said that WPD biologists have not seen any impact on the amphibian residents.
Austin Water and WPD said they have notified the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about the water main break and its environmental impact.
The department said Thursday that it has repaired the line, but must wait for testing results to return Friday morning before it can reopen the line. It asks residents in the area to continue conserving water.
Spicewood Springs Road near Loop 360 opened Wednesday after some completed repairs