Zebra mussels found on a beach.
Star Tribune via Getty Images
MySA
Katy Barber, Steven Santana, mySanAntonio.com
TPWD says that zebra mussels have been spreading westward through Texas when lakes O.H. Ivie and Brownwood were designated as infested in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Hords Creek Lake is situated geographically between these two lakes, and officials said there were no invasive mussel reports before April.
Staff with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initially found one zebra mussel attached to dam infrastructure in April, TPWD says in a news release, prompting shoreline and substrate surveys that revealed that the zebra mussels reproduced.
"Unfortunately, zebra mussels have now spread to 35 Texas lakes, but there are far more lakes in Texas that still haven’t been invaded and are at risk,” said Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries regional director.
Zebra mussels living in Canyon Lake infested a submersible pump, part of the Canyon Lake Water Supply Corp.’s water treatment facilities. The pump is being cleaned this week.
Canyon Lake Water Supply Corp.
Zebra mussels can destroy aquatic ecosystems and water infrastructure. The mussels attach themselves to boats and items left floating in the water.
TPWD says boaters can take steps to clean and drain their boat before leaving the lake. Boaters should then allow compartments and gear to dry when they get home, TPWD says. Boaters can also be fined up to $500 for transporting zebra mussels if they don't take the necessary steps to clean out their boats and the mussels are attached.
If boats are being stored in lakes that contain the mussels, TPWD urges boaters to call 512-389-4848 before moving the boat.