Zebra Mussels Invade Candlewood Lake: Is This the End of the Lake We Know and Love?

​The first confirmed sighting of a zebra mussel in Candlewood Lake occurred on May 22, 2020, when a single specimen was discovered several miles south of the Rocky River intake canal near Vaughn’s Neck. No, this does not mean it's the end of the line for Candlewood Lake, but both home and boat owners must remain vigilant. If you own a home or watercraft on Candlewood Lake, you may already be aware that the threat of zebra mussels has become a reality.

As a boat owner on the lake for over 35 years, I decided to explore the Candlewood Lake Authority website. I wanted to learn how we, as boat owners and homeowners, can collaborate to address the zebra mussel issue. Whether you own a boat that remains on the lake or trailer your watercraft, the following video will guide you through the process on how to deal with these troublesome zebra mussels.

Zebra mussels are these little sharp guys that won’t bite you or go after swimmers. The Candlewood Lake Authority points out they can really mess things up by clogging water intake pipes, damaging boat engines, and taking over for native species since they filter out plankton that other aquatic creatures need to survive. Plus, their sharp shells can be a pain for swimmers. For homeowners, this can mean more maintenance costs and might even affect property values.

The Candlewood Lake Authority is urging all boaters who visit Candlewood Lake to take important precautions. It is essential that you clean, drain, and dry your boat both before visiting and after leaving. This practice is crucial in preventing the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species to other lakes. The following video shows what can happen to your boat when zebra mussels are left untreated.

If you see zebra mussels while swimming, the Candlewood Lake Authority advises against picking them up or disturbing them unnecessarily. Please report your observations to the CLA, including what you saw and the location.

If you discover zebra mussels on your boat or equipment, contact the Candlewood Lake Authority and report the problem. The CLA also contains a link on their website about how to remove them from your watercraft.