An inside look at Idaho’s $3M fight against invasive quagga mussels

As crews spread a copper chemical on the Snake River, scientists monitor water samples in labs

Officials again identified quagga mussels in some of the same parts of the river in 2024 and again this September, although officials said the area of the Snake River infested with mussels has decreased from 7.2 miles of river in 2024 down to 3.5 miles of river this year. Idaho State Department of Agriculture officials said one breeding pair of adult quagga mussels can produce more than 1 million offspring in one year – reproducing so fast they threaten irrigation, drinking water, agriculture and recreation. Infestations of quagga mussels can clog pipes used for irrigation or drinking water and damage dams or boats, officials said.