Zebra Mussels
EarthTec QZ treatment part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife zebra mussel eradication plan for Highline Lake
Colorado Parks and Wildlife will use EarthTec QZ to contain and eradicate zebra mussels from Highline Lake. Loma, CO. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has approved a plan to eradicate zebra mussels from Highline Lake in Highline Lake State Park. The invasive...
EarthTec QZ can effectively suppress zebra mussels according to independent study
A joint study by the USGS and MAIRSC shows that EarthTec QZ can effectively suppress zebra mussels in a lake. The study was conducted on two bays of Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota during the summer of 2019. Preliminary results were presented in a webinar on August 26, 2020.
Oklahoma water provider stops zebra mussels at the source
Midwest water treatment plant controls zebra mussels at intake and 4.5-mile pipeline
A 60-million-gallon-per-day water treatment plant in the Midwestern United States uses EarthTec QZ to keep its intake structure and a 4.5-mile, 92-inch pipeline clear of zebra mussels.
Copper more effective than chlorine on dreissenid mussels
A pilot study conducted at a Toronto drinking water treatment plant found that ionic copper is more effective than chlorine for controlling adult and larval dreissenid mussels.
USGS studies zebra mussel control with ionic copper
The USGS is studying zebra mussel control in Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. The project is a collaboration with the University of Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center. If successful, the treatment could provide a blueprint for protecting other lakes infested with zebra mussels.
Why copper ion generators aren’t as good as you think
An independent study for the Bureau of Reclamation found that unexpected electrical problems and rapid deterioration of anodes compromised a copper ion generator under real world conditions. As a result, the installation significantly underperformed expectations set by the manufacturer’s manual.
Four zebra mussel myths and where they went wrong
Like all fearsome creatures, zebra mussels come with their own set of myths. These are the stories we tell ourselves about zebra mussels, usually in preparation to battle them. They are not necessarily false stories, but they are not always true, either. Knowing the difference is critical to developing efficient and cost-effective zebra mussel management strategies.
Zebra Mussel Myth #1: Zebra mussels cannot be eradicated
A growing body of evidence suggests that effective control and even complete eradication of invasive mussels is both feasible and cost-effective under certain conditions. The size of the lake and the extent of the infestation are key factors.
Zebra Mussel Myth #2: Zebra mussels must be eradicated
Once zebra mussels or quagga mussels are widely distributed throughout a large lake, there is little hope for eradication with currently available methods. In these cases, it is important to let go of the myth that invasive mussels must be eradicated. This myth feeds a common, but mistaken, perception that control measures are costly and futile once invasive mussels are firmly established.