Catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass are among the species lost. The source of the chlorine remains unknown.
BEDFORD, Texas — A sudden spike in chlorine levels is being blamed for a massive fish die-off at Boys Ranch Lake over the weekend, leaving city officials, residents, and parkgoers searching for answers.
City of Bedford officials say the chlorine entered the lake sometime Friday afternoon or evening, based on observations from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) fisheries biologist who reported no signs of distress in the water during a morning visit. By later that day, most, if not all, of the lake’s fish population had been lost.
Catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass are among the species lost.
Boys Ranch Lake is a natural watershed, meaning runoff from nearby properties can flow directly into the lake, complicating the search for the chlorine’s entry point.
The source of the chlorine remains unknown.
While the nearby Bedford Center YMCA outdoor pools were initially suspected, city staff say there is currently no evidence linking the facility to the incident. Investigators have reviewed security footage, maintenance logs, and inspected the irrigation system and pool area for possible leaks, but have yet to find a definitive cause.
City staff jumped into action on Friday, July 26, after dozens of dead fish were discovered at the lake. Bedford Parks and Recreation crews spent the weekend, and even into Monday, working to remove the fish, while TPWD started testing the water to find out what happened. TPWD is expected to return this week to monitor the lake’s chlorine levels, temperature, and dissolved oxygen content to assess ongoing impacts.
“This is a difficult situation for everyone who loves and values Boys Ranch Lake,” the City said in a statement. “Our staff, who care deeply for the park and its wildlife, are devastated, and we know many in the community feel the same.”
Jared Modawell, a Bedford resident who walks the lake daily, was among the first to notice the die-off.
“All the way around, hundreds of them were circling the entire pond,” Modawell said. “I was just shocked. I’ve never seen anything in my 47 years. I’ve never seen anything like that.”
The City has paused plans to restock the lake while the investigation continues, citing the importance of protecting the lake’s long-term ecological health. However, officials say they plan to work with TPWD on future restocking efforts.
Generations Park at Boys Ranch remains open to the public, and the city has pledged to continue updating the community as more information becomes available.
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