DES MOINES, Iowa — Invasive zebra mussels were spotted on the water treatment plant intake in the Des Moines River, Central Iowa Water Works posted Tuesday.
The coin-sized shellfish are notorious for rapidly colonizing water supply pipes and altering ecosystems. They can clog water intakes and coat pipes and screens, causing costly challenges for water utilities. Large infestations can kill native mussels, increase algae blooms and cover beaches with dead shells, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
CIWW said the mussels do not currently pose a risk to drinking water quality…