Quagga mussel found in Lake Zurich for first time

Quagga mussel

The invasive quagga mussel is continuing to spread.

It’s already a major problem in Lake Geneva, spreading in Lake Constance – and now for the first time, been found in Lake Zurich. 

It originates in eastern Europe, and is spread mainly by boats.

The discovery of the animal in Lake Zurich is a particular problem as the lake water is often used for heating and systems are not designed to fend them off. 

It clogs pipes and layers the lake floor lake a carpet. 

The university EPFL in Lausanne, which uses water from Lake Geneva for cooling – had to spend CHF 60m to clear their system and protect it from further damage. 

Experts are warning, unless systems that use Lake Zurich waters prepare, they will also have big bills to pay. 

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