The fight to remove the golden mussel continues in California.

The invasive species is damaging boats, clogging pipes, and threatening water systems across the state, according to the San Joaquin Farm Bureau.

As we have relentlessly reported, they reproduce quickly and create dense colonies that are difficult to remove.

Sightings are heavily concentrated in the Northern Central Valley, with confirmed detections stretching through the valley and into Southern California.

Here at home, they have been detected in the San Luis Reservoir and the Friant-Kern Canal.

These invasive species are causing frustration and costly concerns throughout the state.

"These little guys are incredibly resilient and tough to kill," said Andrew Genasci, San Joaquin Farm Bureau executive director.

Farmers in the Central Valley are particularly at risk.

Golden mussels have been found in pumps that sit over the winter, and come spring, they can build up and completely restrict water flow.

Come spring, when we try to turn pumps on that haven't been run all winter, whether these little guys have built up and gotten to the point where they've totally restricted flow.

"What happens when we're in the middle of a drought, or it dries up, and you need that water to try and keep your crops alive, and all of a sudden, I've got nothing out of my pump?" said Genasci.

The threat goes beyond agriculture.

"You could have these pipes plugged, you go to use them, you don't know there's an issue until you try and turn them on, and all of a sudden you're not able to remove flood water. So you're looking at potential damage for urban areas as well as rural areas," said Genasci.

A reservoir in the East Bay remains closed to boats because of the golden mussel spread, and experts say more could close as they try to come up with a solution.

"Unfortunately, you're going to see probably quite a few more closures while we get a handle on, you know, the best ways to prevent the spread, the best ways to kill the little guys. So that they can't get into all of your infrastructure at these lakes and reservoirs," said Genasci.

If golden mussels can't be removed from pipes.

Replacing them can cost water districts tens of thousands of dollars.

And as we previously reported, boaters have been paying around $20,000 to maintain their boats.

Source - https://kmph.com