Golden mussels were discovered in the district's canal system in mid-May, and chemical treatment (EarthTec QZ) began June 1 at two injection sites (Kimberlina and the Chapter Check). Early residual testing results are "inexplicably good," with copper levels holding above the 0.09 ppm target even miles from injection points. Current treatment costs about $15 per acre-foot of delivered water during the maintenance phase; a higher-dose "kill" treatment planned for October will cost closer to $40 per acre-foot, but on much lower delivery volumes. Total additional treatment cost through year-end is estimated at roughly $300,000 on top of the ~$217K already spent Staff emphasized this is a long-term challenge — golden mussels do not go away once established, and the Friant system is working on its own dewatering and treatment plan for winter.
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