WHY ARE ZMs A PROBLEM?
These mussels will attach and colonize inside water intake pipes, wells, and screen systems. In addition to clogging pipes and reducing the flow, zebra mussels infiltrate interior plant structures, causing obstruction of pump valves and leading to failures of vital plant components.
The zebra mussel infestation has also had a major impact on recreational water use. Boat and marina owners have had to find ways to remove the encrusted mussels from their boat hulls, piers, and moorings. And in recreational areas, the smell of dead, rotting mussels has driven beachgoers away.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Zebra Mussels have been found in two Texas lakes: Lake Texhoma and Lake Lavon.
- Zebra Mussels are transported to lakes via boats, rivers, and interconnecting pipelines.
- Lake Alan Henry has an environment where they might be able to thrive if introduced.
- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is trying to educate the public on how we can keep the ZM out of lakes.
- In order to minimize the transfer of ZMs into the lake, all boats must be inspected.
- Cleaning boats with high temperature water will kill the ZM.
LAKE ALAN HENRY
The City of Lubbock is working on plans to protect Lake Alan Henry from Zebra Mussels being transported into the lake. Currently, we DO NOT have Zebra Mussels in Lake Alan Henry.
For more information: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Zebra Mussels Information