Experts say 15 Texas lakes have invasive zebra mussels and boaters are urged to clean, drain and dry watercraft after use. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department says zebra mussels were detected more than once at Lake Walter E. Long, Lake Granger and Lake Dunlap. Zebra mussels or larvae have been confirmed at least once at Lake Placid.
Zebra mussels can clog pipes, damage boat motors and affect other aquatic life. They were first confirmed in Texas 2009 at Lake Texoma. Some Austin residents recently complained about stinky tap water. Rotting zebra mussels were discovered in a turned-off water plant pipe.