Like clockwork, as soon as sunny days and warm weather arrive, it’s time for boating and water recreation on Texas lakes to hit full swing. It’s also when invasive zebra mussels start to spawn, making it more important than ever that boaters practice “Clean, Drain and Dry" every time they leave a lake. 

There are 14 lakes in Texas with an established, reproducing population of zebra mussels and eight where zebra mussels have been detected at least once. Boats kept in the water on a lake that is "infested" or "positive” for zebra mussels and then taken to another lake with hidden mussels attached are the most likely cause of new lakes becoming infested. These tiny mussels can damage boats and docks, foul shorelines with their sharp shells and cause millions of dollars in damage by clogging water intakes and other infrastructure. These mussels also multiply at an astonishing rate – each adult can spawn a million offspring. 

Focus group surveys have found that most Texas boaters will do their part to protect their lakes if they understand the threat and what to do to keep from spreading zebra mussels and other invasive species. In May, we’re launching a boater awareness campaign calling on boaters to “Protect the Lakes You Love” by practicing “Clean, Drain and Dry” every time they leave a water body. The multi-media campaign includes gas station signage, billboards, location-based mobile app and Pandora radio ads to reach boaters and other water lovers near infested lakes. Visit our website www.tpwd.texas.gov/zebramussels to discover more about the dangers of zebra mussels and watch a video to learn how to properly "Clean, Drain, and Dry" your boat. We need your help to preserve Texas lakes for present and future generations.