Spicewood Springs water main break repaired, Austin Water investigates cause

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Monday’s water main break on Spicewood Springs Road that had an impact on residents and the nearby watershed is now repaired, Austin Water told KXAN Friday.

Five days after the break happened, a city spokesperson said repairs are complete, but they are continuing analysis into what caused it.

“Austin Water appreciates the incredible teamwork of the dedicated contractors, partner departments, and department staff who have been working around the clock to complete this repair. Their committed efforts are essential in helping our customers receive reliable water service,” the agency said to KXAN Friday.

Austin Water crews had to shut off water in the area after a contractor struck a 48-inch water main pipeline near Spicewood Springs Road and Loop 360 earlier this week. They also asked residents to shut off automatic irrigation systems and try to conserve indoor water use, but water remained safe to drink.

Roads were also closed nearby as crew worked on repairs.

An Austin Water spokesperson also told KXAN that the city’s Watershed Protection Department (WPD) team, who they had been collaborating with since the break happened, 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 had not seen any impact on the amphibian residents.

Austin Water and WPD said they notified the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about the water main break and its environmental impact.

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