Invasive Species Discovered at Drinking Water Treatment Plants in San Jose

For the first time, golden mussels, an invasive species of tiny mollusks that can rapidly reproduce and cause millions of dollars in damage to pipes, drinking water plants, irrigation systems and dams — sparking growing concerns across California — have been found in Santa Clara County.

Last month, a juvenile golden mussel was discovered in the raw water intake area at the Penitencia Water Treatment plant near Alum Rock Park in San Jose. A few weeks later, in late April, an adult was found in a raw water strainer at the Santa Teresa Water Treatment Plant in San Jose’s Almaden area.