A west Wichita neighborhood pond near 21st and Maize is off-limits for fishing after residents discovered thousands of dead fish floating in the water Friday, officials said.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment took water samples Friday afternoon and is testing to determine what caused the die-off. Until results are released, the pond — maintained by the homeowners association in the Chadsworth neighborhood — will remain closed to fishing and other recreational use, residents and officials said.
What residents saw and smelled
Neighbors described a rapid, visible decline in aquatic life and a strong odor around the pond. Several residents, who fish at the pond for leisure, said the sight was unprecedented.
"Something got into our pond and killed these fish," said Mark Eisler, who lives adjacent to the water.
Other residents reported noticing just a few dead fish in the morning and finding far more by late afternoon. Debbie George, who lives nearby, said the smell was immediate and pronounced.
Agency response and next steps
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment collected samples on site but said it could not release findings until laboratory testing is complete. KDHE officials typically test for factors such as dissolved oxygen levels, algal toxins, contaminants and signs of disease in aquatic species when investigating mass fish kills.
The homeowners association is responsible for pond maintenance. Residents said recent heavy rain temporarily raised water levels, and it took a couple of days for levels to normalize. Officials and residents are not yet able to link the change in water level to the fish mortality.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Chadsworth neighborhood pond, near 21st and Maize, west Wichita |
| Agency investigating | Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) |
| Immediate action | Sampling by KDHE; temporary halt to fishing and recreation |
Advice for residents
Officials have not released any health advisories beyond the temporary closure, but residents should follow basic precautions until KDHE completes testing:
- Avoid fishing, swimming or allowing pets in the pond water.
- Do not consume fish caught from the pond until authorities give the all-clear.
- Report additional wildlife kills or unusual odors to KDHE or local officials.
Mass fish kills can result from a variety of causes, including low oxygen, algal blooms, pollutants or sudden environmental changes. Similar events have occurred in area ponds previously, prompting testing and, in some cases, remediation efforts.
KDHE has not released a timeline for test results. Residents who witness changes in the pond or find additional dead fish were asked to contact the department so investigators can document the extent of the event.
News Block will update this report as officials release more information.
