UPDATED: Snakeden Branch stream safe after cause of dead fish found, Reston Association says

Snakeden Branch at Lake Audubon in Reston (photo by Ray Copson)

Updated at 5:45 p.m. — The fish deaths reported at Snakeden Branch stream this morning have been traced to a water main break behind Hunters Woods Plaza, Reston Association says.

“Potable water was discharged and included chlorine, causing the fish kill,” RA Chief Operating Officer Peter Lusk said. “The water main break has been repaired, and the stream is considered safe, and not harmful to humans or animals.”

Earlier: Dead fish were found earlier this morning (Friday) at Snakeden Branch stream, according to a report confirmed by Reston Association.

A foul smell also protruded from the stream.

RA staff are working with the Virginia Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) and the Fairfax County Stormwater Planning Division to confirm the cause of the incident.

Residents are encouraged to avoid using the stream. Signage has been posted at the stream, which flows from Hunters Woods Village Center to Lake Audubon.

RA is also urging residents to be cautious when using Lake Audubon until the source of the issue is confirmed.

Preliminarily, there is no evidence that the issue was caused by sewage, according to RA COO Peter Lusk.

“These events typically occur when there are malfunctions within wastewater systems, water mains, or occasionally illicit dumping. RA staff will confirm the source of the issue, once identified,” RA said.

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