Officials are sounding the alarm over an invasive species threatening one of California’s key water systems. Golden mussels, first detected in the Friant-Kern Canal two months ago, are rapidly multiplying and could disrupt water delivery to farms and communities in the southern San Joaquin Valley. The Friant Water Authority held a board meeting Thursday to address the infestation and outline next steps. The board voted to hire a consultant to develop a comprehensive control plan, though any treatment would require permits and could take several months. The agency is also seeking grants to help fund prevention and control efforts.

Other invasive mussels news:

• The Denver Gazette (Colo.): CPW reports success in fighting invasive species after detecting 136 mussel-fouled boats
• Summit Daily (Colo.): Colorado Parks and Wildlife shares results of its 2025 boat inspections, sampling as it battles invasive zebra mussels