Good water pressure!

Thanks for looking; Would it have been possible to slow down the

water without blowing it out? Advice appreciated.

Yes, you could put a neutral density filter on your lens.  It reduces the amount of light coming through the lens, thereby requiring a longer exposure.  The filters come in varying strengths that allow varying amounts of light through the lens.  However, any movement during the longer exposure will be blurred, whether from the water or from an animal enjoying the falling water.