Zebra mussels are invading Lake Hefner and other nearby waterways. That’s the word from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) and consulting engineers with the Oklahoma City Utilities Department. Experts have confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Lake Hefner and are working with the City of Oklahoma City to help reduce and eliminate the future spreading of this invasive species.
In response, the Utilities Department, with assistance from the Parks & Recreation Department and ODWC, is launching a campaign targeted toward recreational lake users to help spread the word about the invasive species. This summer, visitors to the City’s three lake reservoirs, Oklahoma River and in-park ponds will see signage and boat ramp decals warning of the dangers posed by zebra mussels.
They can also pick up materials from select boating and fishing permit vendors that describe how they can help stop the mussels’ spread by implementing the “Inspect – Clean – Drain – Dry” program.
“Inspect – Clean – Drain – Dry” instructs boaters and other lake users to wash their boats and trailers using a pressure washer at 140 degrees, then drain them before moving to another body of water. If pressure washing isn’t available, boaters should let their boats and equipment dry for a period of five days.
Zebra mussels were first discovered in U.S. in 1988 in the Great Lakes region. They have since moved southward and have been found in more than 20 lakes in Oklahoma. The mollusks attach themselves to any smooth surface in the water and can damage boats, trailers, boat docks, fishing piers and other equipment. They can also endanger fish populations and increase maintenance and operations costs at water treatment facilities and, where they can attach to the infrastructure, impeding the normal operation of pipe and pumps.
The presence of zebra mussels in Lake Hefner poses no direct danger to residents and won’t affect the quality of the City’s drinking water.
For more information about zebra mussels and the “Inspect-Clean-Drain-Dry” program, visit okc.gov/zebra.
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Media Contact
Jennifer McClintock
(405) 297-3363
jennifer.mcclintock@okc.gov
