Watermain Break Likely Cause of Dead Fish

On Saturday, September 10, the City’s Parks and Open Spaces division became aware of the large number of dead fish in the Waterford River and the Bowring Park Duck Pond. Staff investigated and have found that the probable source of the kill came from a watermain break that took place on Dunn’s Lane in the City of Mount Pearl on Friday.
 
The watermain break expelled significant quantities of drinking water directly in a river that feeds into the Waterford River.  The regional water supply is treated with chlorine at levels that are in line with Canadian Drinking Water Standards.  These standards are safe for human consumption and prevent bacteria from occurring in the water supply.  However the level of chlorine in the water when it was expelled directly in to the river is not safe for fish. 
 
City staff consulted with the Federal Department of Natural Resources who have agreed that this is likely the cause.
 
Chlorine dissipates quickly and currently there is no trace of chlorine in the river.  Today, staff have observed that fish that have returned to the affected areas in the river and the pond.