Authorities have made a shocking discovery in the Colorado River that could destroy the local economy.
The dreaded zebra mussel was detected during routine testing in July. The discovery threatens to wreak havoc on native fish stocks, water infrastructure, irrigation systems and drinking water supplies.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Aquatic Nuisance Species team encountered the invasive species in the Government Highline Canal near Clifton while collecting a plankton sample on July 1.
They found a single veliger zebra mussel, visible only under a microscope, lurking in the water, which experts called “devastating.” The Denver Gazette reported.
They then found more after collecting more plankton samples from the Colorado River on July 8.
Authorities have made a shocking discovery in the Colorado River that could destroy the local economy
The dreaded zebra mussel was detected during routine testing in July. The discovery threatens to wreak havoc on native fish populations, water infrastructure, irrigation systems and drinking water supplies (pictured: photo of a veliger zebra mussel discovered by CPW)
Zebra mussels are filter feeders on plankton, depriving native fish of essential food sources, especially in slow-moving areas.
They can also clog water systems, causing maintenance problems.
Tina Bergonzini, general manager of the Grand Valley Water Users Association, called the discovery “devastating” and warned of wide-ranging impacts on irrigation, drinking water and overall water security.
“The fact that our canal and Colorado River have tested positive increases the threat of this invasive species and could impact everyone in the Great Valley. From irrigation to drinking water, the ramifications cannot be underestimated or overstated,” he told the outlet.
‘Our efforts, together with our partners at CPW and BOR, will be stepped up to protect our infrastructure, the livelihoods of so many, and water security for all of us.’
Zebra mussels are filter feeders on plankton, depriving native fish of essential food sources, especially in slow-moving areas. They can also clog water systems, causing maintenance problems. (Pictured: Zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, in a pond)
Zebra mussels are native to the Black, Caspian and Azov Seas of Eastern Europe and were first discovered in the Great Lakes at Lake St. Clair in 1988. Since then, the invasive species has spread to 33 states in the United States.
The mussels were found in the “free-floating (planktonic) larval stage” and no adult mussels have yet been found.
CPW Director Jeff Davis warned of “ecological and economic impacts not only in the Grand Valley but also potential statewide impacts.”
“This challenging discovery has ecological and economic impacts not only in the Grand Valley but also potential statewide impacts,” CPW Director Jeff Davis told the outlet.
‘CPW is committed to working with all of our partners as we work to better understand the scope of this discovery and the next steps in protecting natural resources and infrastructure.’
Authorities are working hard to contain the crisis, but in the meantime they are urging water users to remain vigilant.
Authorities are doing everything they can to contain the crisis, but in the meantime they are urging water users to be vigilant. They are urging people to clean, drain and dry containers to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.
People are urged to clean, drain and dry containers to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.
According to CPW, zebra mussels are native to the Black, Caspian and Azov seas of Eastern Europe and were first discovered in the Great Lakes, in Lake St. Clair, in 1988.
Since then, the invasive species has spread to 33 states in the United States.
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