SAN DIEGO -- The infestation of a prolific pest called the quagga mussel has spread across San Diego County as water officials scramble to build their defenses.
The invasive species was confirmed in the Lower Otay Reservoir Tuesday, which may mean it has a foothold in all 12 of the region's reservoirs that are connected to the imported water supply system.
Authorities have been surprised by the rapid dispersion of quagga mussels across the region. The environmentally dangerous invaders had not been detected west of the Continental Divide until this year.
The results eventually may include clogged waterlines, altered ecosystems and expensive efforts to contain the tiny shellfish, which water experts say typically can't be eradicated.
Quagga mussels have now been confirmed in three lakes in the county - Lower Otay near Chula Vista, San Vicente Reservoir near Lakeside and Escondido's Lake Dixon.
Quagga mussels were detected at San Vicente on Aug. 13.
The invasive species was confirmed in the Lower Otay Reservoir Tuesday, which may mean it has a foothold in all 12 of the region's reservoirs that are connected to the imported water supply system.
Authorities have been surprised by the rapid dispersion of quagga mussels across the region. The environmentally dangerous invaders had not been detected west of the Continental Divide until this year.
The results eventually may include clogged waterlines, altered ecosystems and expensive efforts to contain the tiny shellfish, which water experts say typically can't be eradicated.
Quagga mussels have now been confirmed in three lakes in the county - Lower Otay near Chula Vista, San Vicente Reservoir near Lakeside and Escondido's Lake Dixon.
Quagga mussels were detected at San Vicente on Aug. 13.