Neighbors puzzled as hundreds of dead fish wash up near Goodyear park

GOODYEAR, AZ (AZFamily) — There's a smelly, stinky, unsettling situation out in Goodyear, that has neighbors holding their noses.

Briana Lott was out walking her dog when she noticed hundreds of dead fish in the canal next to Goodyear Community Park , off Litchfield Road and Indian School Road .

"It is disturbing just looking at it," said Lott. "It doesn't sit well with me. I definitely care about the environment and animals."

So, where exactly are all the dead fish coming from?

Arizona's Family reached out to the Roosevelt Irrigation District , which oversees the canal and hundreds of others across Maricopa County.

We were told this is the time of year when they drain all their canals for maintenance and repairs, and efforts are made to steer the fish to safety, but not all of them make it.

Donovan Neese is the superintendent of the Roosevelt Irrigation District.

"I want the least amount of loss as we can, and that's why we dry it up over a period of time so they can't congregate in certain areas," said Neese. "Unfortunately, some losses do happen."

The Roosevelt Irrigation District frequently stocks the canals with fish to help cut down on weeds.

Neese said it's a more environmentally friendly option than putting chemicals in the canals.

Arizona's Family viewer Cliff Lenderman took a video of the dead fish a few days ago.

He understands the need to maintain the canals, but he thinks there has to be a better way that doesn't result in so many dead fish.

"Obviously, they do need to keep it clean, but how can they contain it to make sure this doesn't happen again." said Lenderman. "I can see a few fish dying, but that many, you saw it, is overwhelming, like wow."

Neese said a crew will clean up the dead fish on Wednesday morning.