Concerns For Winnipeg's Water Supply

A larval-stage zebra mussel has been found in a water sample from Shoal Lake, Ontario.

The larva was found in one of six samples taken from the lake, which doubles as Winnipeg’s water supply.

Zebra mussels are an invasive species that can coat surfaces and clog water pipes. In some places, they have edged out the native species, and their shells have littered beaches.

No zebra mussels have been found in the City of Winnipeg’s annual monitoring, and the news release stated that the discovery of one larva does not mean that zebra mussels have taken over the lake.

Winnipeg has taken steps to protect its water supply and has also set aside $1 million to protect the city’s intake facility at Indian Bay on Shoal Lake.

Boaters using the lake are asked to remove aquatic plants and invasive species as well as drain all water and remove drain plugs before moving their boats. The release also asks boaters to dry all equipment properly and dispose of bait before placing their boats in other lakes.