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Officials make 'devastating' discovery in beloved river that could destroy local economy
Officials 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 finding threatens to wreak havoc on native fish populations, water infrastructure, irrigation systems, and drinking water supplies.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Aquatic Nuisance Species team stumbled upon the invasive species in the Government Highline Canal near Clifton by collecting a plankton sample on July 1.
They found a single zebra mussel veliger, only visible under a microscope, lurking in the water which experts are calling 'devastating,' The Denver Gazette reported.
They then found more after collecting further plankton samples in the Colorado River on July 8.
Officials 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 finding threatens to wreak havoc on native fish populations, water infrastructure, irrigation systems, and drinking water supplies (Pictured: Photo of a zebra mussel veliger discovered by CPW)
Zebra mussels filter-feed 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, Grand Valley Water Users Association General Manager, called the discovery 'devastating,' warning of wide-ranging impacts on irrigation, drinking water, and overall water security.
'Having our canal and the Colorado River test positive increases the threat of this invasive species and could impact everyone in the Grand Valley. From irrigation to drinking water, the ramifications cannot be underestimated or overstated,' she said to the outlet.
'Our efforts, alongside our partners at CPW and the BOR, will be increased to protect our infrastructure, the livelihoods of so many, and water security for us all.'
Zebra mussels filter-feed 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 pond)
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 have spread to 33 states in the United States
The mussel's were found in the 'free-floating (planktonic) larval stage' and no adults mussels have yet to be found.
CPW Director Jeff Davis warned of 'ecological and economic impacts not only on the Grand Valley but potential statewide impacts as well.'
'This challenging discovery has ecological and economic impacts not only on the Grand Valley but potential statewide impacts as well,' CPW Director Jeff Davis told the outlet.
'CPW is committed to working with all of our partners as we work to better understand the extent of this discovery and the next steps in protecting the natural resources and infrastructure.'
Officials are scrambling to contain the crisis, but in the meantime they're urging water users to be vigilant.
Officials are scrambling to contain the crisis, but in the meantime they're urging water users to be vigilant. They are urging people to clean, drain, and dry vessels in order to avoid the spreading of the zebra mussels
They are urging people to clean, drain, and dry vessels in order to avoid the spreading of the zebra mussels.
According to the 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 have spread to 33 states in the United States.