Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zebra Mussels topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Officials warn Aurora about zebra mussel spread after state confirmation in Colorado River system
Summary
City staff briefed the committee on the confirmed presence of zebra mussels in the Colorado River system and the risks they pose to infrastructure and recreation; the state committee will get a detailed update Oct. 29.
Aurora City water staff warned the Policy & Finance Committee that zebra mussels have been confirmed in the Colorado River system and described the species as a serious maintenance and infrastructure risk to reservoirs and conveyance systems.
Cathy (staff member) said the state has officially confirmed zebra mussels in the Colorado River system and that the Water Resources and Agricultural Review Committee will hear a presentation on the infestation on Oct. 29. "It's official that the state of Colorado is now infested with zebra mussels in the Colorado River system," Cathy said. She explained these invasive mussels can adhere to pipe interiors and other conveyance structures, creating maintenance challenges and reducing conveyance capacity.
Cathy said the mussels were detected in a private water body in Eagle County and reiterated that the city has supported inspections at reservoir launches to prevent spread. Council members asked whether Aurora’s water sources have been affected; Cathy said no detections had been reported in Aurora facilities but emphasized the economic and operational risk if the mussels reached local reservoirs such as Aurora Reservoir. "If they would get into our system, it would be a major operation and maintenance headache for us," she said.
Committee members discussed prevention messaging to recreational users and staff noted ongoing inspection and prevention efforts ("clean, drain, dry" protocols). The committee did not adopt any new measures; staff said they would continue coordination with regional partners and report back after the Oct. 29 committee briefing.
