Lake Oroville, a vital reservoir in Northern California, is at risk from the invasive golden mussel, which has spread from the Port of Stockton to other waterways. This species could block vital pipes and pumps, impacting water delivery to 27 million residents and agricultural lands. Environmental officials express concern as the mussels could form large colonies on these infrastructures, causing significant ecological and logistical issues. State efforts are underway to prevent the introduction of these mussels to Lake Oroville, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding this resource.
The invasive two-inch wide golden mussel showed up near the Port of Stockton last fall. Since then, it's spread south, extending to other waterways in the Delta and some in the San Joaquin Valley.
Golden mussels like to stick to hard surfaces - like those pipes and pumps - and that has state officials concerned. "They're going to grow, they're going to settle out, attach onto the walls, and then begin forming those colonies," said Tanya Veldhuizen.
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