Our View: Kern water threatened by golden mussel invasion

Three counties have recognized the emergency. Sadly, the state seems to be less concerned.

Combating the rapid spread of destructive golden mussels into California waterways requires the coordinated effort of federal, state, county and local water agencies. It requires a statewide inspection and eradication program.

But the state's recent decision to back away from protective measures at Lake Oroville, California's second largest reservoir, shows the state's lack of urgency and concern.

In October 2024, California water managers discovered golden mussels invading the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. It was the first sighting in North America of a rapidly spreading fresh water species native to Asia. Golden mussels have invaded waterways in several countries, notably Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

Water officials consider the deepwater Port of Stockton in San Joaquin County "ground zero" for the infestation, which may have been carried into California with ballast water from ships. The ballast water is supposed to be dumped before ships come under the Golden Gate Bridge.

"Clearly that did not happen," San Joaquin County Supervisor Marlo Gardea told SJV Water editor Lois Henry. Gardea and other supervisors traveled to Washington, D.C., to discuss the golden mussel infestation with the Federal Maritime Commission. "We've been working on this for eight months."

To sound the alarm, and obtain state and federal support, Kern, San Joaquin and most recently Sacramento counties have declared emergencies in response to golden mussels being found in waterways and canals. The declarations are intended to strengthen a coordinated regional, state and federal response.

Regrettably, Gov. Gavin Newsom has yet to declare a state emergency. And his Department of Water Resources this month dropped boat inspection requirements at Lake Oroville after a disputed analysis diminished the cost benefits.

"California is under an epidemic of golden mussels," Anthony Ricciardi told the news outlet CalMatters in response. A biology professor, Ricciardi is director of the Bieler School of Environment at McGill University in Montreal. "Like in any epidemic, you got to control the key hubs, or else the war is lost."

Kern County Supervisor Jeff Flores told SJV Water: "Kern County must stand with our farmers and water agencies to combat this emerging threat."

The golden mussels are being found in storm drains, irrigation pipes, on docks and pilings, in pumps, sprinklers and just about any place offering flat surfaces. They can be carried from one body to another by water vessels ranging from fishing boats to inflatable rafts.

As the golden mussel invasion spreads and could potentially enter Lake Isabella, it may threaten the Kern River system that supplies ag districts and is a major source of California Water Service Co. residential drinking water. The result will not just be millions of dollars spent on maintenance and equipment repair. Water supplies may be interrupted.

Recently, four golden mussels were found on a boat headed to Lake Tahoe, a pristine alpine lake. The tiny stowaways, which latched onto a boat in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, were tucked beneath a screw and behind a metal plate. Crawling under the boat and using flashlights and mirrors, Lake Tahoe boat inspectors intercepted the invaders before they hit the water.

Lake Tahoe officials and residents have long been recognized as leaders in the fight to protect California waterways. In the face of the golden mussel threat, they have increased their vigilance. They should be models for the state and counties.

"Clean, drain, dry" is the mantra at Lake Tahoe, which has increased boat inspections and public outreach. Boaters, paddlers, anglers and swimmers are told to clean, drain and dry their equipment to remove golden mussels. Roving volunteers and billboards push the message.

Required boat inspections typically take less than 15 minutes and are followed by workers blasting streams of hot water to decontaminate boat surfaces - anchor, lockers, bilges and pumps that take water from a lake. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, more than 4,700 boats were decontaminated at Lake Tahoe last year and inspectors found 73 vessels harboring aquatic invasive species.

Protecting Kern County's and the state's waterway from the golden mussel threat requires recognizing the urgency, developing a statewide strategy and involving the public in the fight.

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This story was originally published June 28, 2026 at 5:11 AM.