Colorado state officials are warning that the Colorado River could be at risk from an invasion of zebra mussels — a threat to the infrastructure that distributes water from the river to cities, farmers and downstream to Utah and beyond — after sampling showed the species in several locations.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife announced Tuesday that it has detected zebra mussel veligers — the larval stage of the species visible only under a microscope — in the Colorado River and a major canal just east of Grand Junction.
The discovery marks the second potential infestation of the invasive species in the state. State officials confirmed adult zebra mussels in Highline Lake in 2022, which sits about 20 miles northwest of Grand Junction.
“This challenging discovery has ecological and economic impacts not only on the Grand Valley but potential statewide impacts as well,” CPW Director Jeff Davis said in statement. “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.”
