CEDAR RAPIDS – A break in a 16-inch water main led to a fish kill over about one mile of McCloud Run in Cedar Rapids yesterday.
The break occurred when a valve failed near McCloud Bridge shortly after 2 p.m. Monday, causing treated drinking water to gush into the stream. Chloramine, which is used to disinfect water, is harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms.
DNR staff were on site Monday evening and today to investigate. Fisheries staff counted approximately 1,260 trout, 673 white suckers and 300 other dead fish.
The DNR will take appropriate enforcement action, including asking for fish restitution.