Invasive Species is Causing Water Pressure Problems in Midland, Texas

Everyone in Midland has been trying to make it through this week with low water pressure.

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Some parts of Midland are getting trickles and have had to rely on bottled water to get by. One reason for the issue is because of an uninvited guest.

Invasive Mussel in Midland

Zebra Mussels have been part of the reason Midlanders are experiencing low water pressure recently. This is an invasive species that is known to wreak havoc on rivers and lakes in North America.

Now the mussel has made its way to the Permian Basin and is causing chaos at the Midland Water Treatment Plant.

What are Zebra Mussels?

These freshwater mussels are small bivalve mollusks that attach to hard surfaces like pipes, rocks, and boats.

Zebra Mussels reproduce fast and can hurt ecosystems in so many ways.

How did they get to Midland?

It's hard to tell exactly how they made it to the Permian Basin but experts say it's likely because of people.

Zebra Mussels are known to attach themselves to boats. Once that boat moves from one body of water to another, it's free range for the mussel.

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Another way is that the female mussel releases her eggs into the water, and after fertilization the larvae are carried by water currents. They can go from one body of water to another by just being in the current.

How do Zebra Mussels affect the water pressure?

Since they reproduce so fast, they clump up and attach themselves to the inside of the city pipes, clogging them.

According to News West 9, the city is currently working on clearing them up.