For years, farmers have struggled with water supplies. Sometimes, because of drought. Other times, because of government red tape. But now, they are facing a new threat that requires all hands on deck— from laboratories to the legislature. “The potential impact is significant,” says Kelly Vandergon, Deputy General Manager for Operations and Maintenance at Westlands Water District. FOX26 was there Friday, as crews carried out maintenance on a pump near Five Points along the California Aqueduct. As they removed the traveling water stream pump you could see shell after shell– Golden Mussels— attached to the pipe.

Other invasive species news:

• Stocktonia (Stockton, Calif.): Boat launches at two EBMUD reservoirs to reopen in 2026 following closure due to invasive mussel