Marina Dock Age

A marina worker at Geist Reservoir in Indianapolis found an adult zebra mussel in the reservoir, according to April reports in The (Fort Wayne, Ind.) Journal Gazette and The Indianapolis Star.

The finding of an adult-size zebra mussel indicates the species might have been in the reservoir for a number of years undetected, said Doug Keller, aquatic invasive species coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Zebra mussels have been previously found in more than 65 bodies of water in 44 counties throughout Indiana, but the recent discovery was the first in the Indianapolis area. Geist is one of three water supply reservoirs for the Indianapolis area. Keller said that as zebra mussel numbers increase in Geist and downstream, there could be negative impacts to the water utility’s withdraw capacity.

“Zebra mussels can rapidly multiply and are known for clogging drainage and filtration pipes,” Keller said. “Besides pipes, they can attach to virtually anything in the water column, including rocks, limbs, piers, or boats.”

He said that few options for eradicating the mussels exist. The best means of control is by educating boaters about preventing further spread of the mussel. Typically, zebra mussels are transported by human recreational activities such as boating or fishing. Removing all aquatic vegetation, draining live wells, bilge, water lines, and boat trailers, and drying equipment completely after each use, will prevent transport to other waters.

“Letting all equipment dry for five days after a boating trip will prevent the spread of both adults and larvae,” Keller said. “However, if you plan to visit a body of water sooner, you can use a solution of 5 percent bleach and water to clean and disinfect all your equipment.”