July 19, 2025 — Colorado Springs, CO 
Invasive zebra mussels are rapidly spreading across western Colorado, raising alarms among conservation officials and water managers. The latest discoveries in key lakes and sections of the Colorado River signal an urgent need for enhanced containment and public awareness.

Microscopic larvae known as veligers have been detected throughout western waterways, with adult mussels confirmed in isolated bodies of water. These infestations are especially problematic due to the mussels’ ability to reproduce quickly and cling to infrastructure, leading to clogged pipelines, damage to treatment systems, and costly maintenance challenges.

The ecological impact is equally concerning. Zebra mussels consume plankton essential to native aquatic life, threatening biodiversity and disrupting delicate ecosystems. Despite previous eradication efforts, their persistence in some lakes highlights the difficulty of fully removing the species once introduced.

Containment efforts are ramping up, with expanded sampling and increased coordination between public agencies and private landowners. Watercraft inspections, decontamination protocols, and public outreach campaigns aim to prevent further spread. Boaters are reminded to clean, drain, and dry all equipment to help safeguard the state’s waterways.

While complete eradication remains challenging, Colorado’s aquatic management teams are committed to limiting further contamination and preserving the health of vital ecosystems.

©️ The Rocky Mountain Dispatch LLC. 2025