Mesa County focused on stopping the spread of zebra mussels threatening water supply
By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice
A small intruder endangers Mesa County's water infrastructure, agriculture, local economy and aquatic habitats, and Mesa County isn't alone facing the threat.
Zebra mussels invade ecosystems unchecked. Their staggering reproductive rate fuels the crisis. A single female can unleash one million eggs. What's worse is that they reach maturity in about four months. These small mussels clog pipes and drip water tubing as they multiply.
They can invade canals and rivers, and cripple irrigation systems.
This July, zebra mussel DNA was detected in the Government Highline Canal and the Colorado River.
Mesa County Commissioner Bobbie Daniel and Tina Bergonzini, general manager of the Grand Valley Water Users Association, have ...