Posted December 7, 2010, 12:02 pm
Invasive quagga and zebra mussels are a major threat to our quality of life. They are small, clam-like creatures that reproduce rapidly and deplete nutrients in the water. They jeopardize power and water infrastructures, damage ecosystems and destroy recreation. Unfortunately, these mussels are not the only aquatic invasive species threatening Utah. View other examples at wildlife.utah.gov/habitat/ans. View a complete list in the Utah Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan.
In 2008, the Utah State Legislature made it illegal to possess or transport invasive mussels. If you have been in an infested water, you must decontaminate your boat and equipment before entering or traveling with it in Utah. Find a decontamination station near you.
Once established, invasive mussels can cost billions of dollars.
Invasive mussels reproduce rapidly and coat any stable surface— including water intake pipes. If these animals establish populations in Utah, our water transport facilities will deliver less water and require additional maintenance (increasing your bill). They may also suffer temporary—but frequent—closures to remove mussels from equipment.
Invasive mussels reproduce so rapidly that their shells carpet beaches. These shells are sharp, so beachgoers will have to wear footwear at all times. The decaying mussels release a putrid smell that clings to the air and water. Finally, the mussels plug water circulation systems on watercraft, overheating motors that are costly to repair.
In the United States, zebra mussels cost the power industry $3.1 billion from 1993–1999, with an impact on industries, businesses, and communities of more than $5 billion¹. If mussels become established in Utah, they are predicted to cost the state $15 million per year in increased costs— potentially driving up tax rates.
¹ New York Sea Grant 1994a
