About 100,000 gallons of highly-chlorinated water was released into Gilleland Creek in Pflugerville the morning or March 31, likely resulting in the death of several fish, according to city officials.

Pflugerville Public Information Officer Terri Waggoner said the water was scheduled to be drained from a 500,000 gallontank in conjunction with a new tank installation, but that the water should have been de-chlorinated first.

"It appears the proper order was not taken [in the de-chlorination and release process]," Waggoner said. "We can confirm there are dead fish and city crews have been out at Gilleland Creek since it happened."

Waggoner said it is not known how much water was drained into the creek, but that chlorine levels were diluted to a safe level by 2 p.m.

"Fortunately the entire halfmillion gallon tank was not released into Gilleland Creek because staff noticed the strong odor," Assistant City Manager Tom Word said in a statement.

The water was released through a storm drain at Pflugervilles Pfennig Pump Station at the corner of Pfennig Lane and Black Locust Drive, according to the statement. The tank installation is being carried out by Pflugerville staff and Taylor-basedcontractor Patin Construction, Waggoner said.

The city is working with the proper regulatory agenciesincluding the Texas Commission on Environmental Qualityto report and address the issue, Waggoner said.