That does look knarly. But what is the real impact?

Here's the San Benito County Water district's update on the Zebra situation for Fall/Winter 2009.

http://www.sbcwd.com/SBCWD%20Newsletter.pdf

Zebra mussels were found in San Justo Reservoir in January 2008. They are currently the only known population of Zebra mussels in California. Zebra mussels produce quickly and in large numbers. Once established, eradication is extremely difficult. Zebra mussels can colonize on hulls, engines and steering components of boats and other recreational equipment, and if left unchecked, can damage boat motors and restrict engine cooling. They attached to aquatic plants and submerged sediment and surfaces such as piers, pilings, water intakes, and fish screens. They also clog water intake structures, hampering water flow.

San Justo Reservoir was closed to recreation following the Zebra mussel’s discovery. There are some ideas being considered to eradicate the Zebra mussels in San Justo Reservoir, including the use of potassium chloride (potash) slurry, which has been proven to kill mussels without harming other forms of aquatic life. The decision to re-open the reservoir will be made in conjunction with USBR (United States Bureau of Reclamation) and DFG (California Fish and Game).

Sounds like the thought there is to try to nuke the mussels with poison. For some reason San Justo is being treated completely different than the San Diego lakes with quagga mussels. At least I haven't heard any plans to nuke all the lakes down there. I have no idea why there's this discrepancy.

Does anyone here live in San Benito county? Have your water rates gone up due to increased costs associated with the zebra mussels in San Justo?

This is one where environment is not a big concern since the lake is 100% man made and there is no natural creek of any consequence feeding the lake.

Too bad for all the giant bass in that lake. I saw more than one 15+ in that place.