Texas: 15 lakes show signs of invasive zebra mussels

Image: KABB

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – Experts say 15 Texas lakes have invasive zebra mussels and boaters are urged to clean, drain, and dry watercraft after use.
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department on Friday offered the update for Memorial Day weekend. Texas bars transport of prohibited invasive species. Violators face fines of up to $500.
The updated list includes zebra mussels, detected more than once at Lake Walter E. Long, Lake Granger, and Lake Dunlap. Zebra mussels or larvae have been confirmed at least once at Lake Placid.
Zebra mussels – which can clog pipes, damage boat motors, and affect other aquatic life – were confirmed in Texas in 2009 at Lake Texoma, also bordering Oklahoma.
Some Austin residents recently complained about stinky tap water. Rotting zebra mussels were discovered in a turned-off water plant pipe.