1. Golden Mussels Detected in Valley Water Treatment Plants — No Impact on Drinking Water, But Infrastructure Risk Is Real Golden mussels, an invasive species first found in California in October 2024, have now been detected at both the Penitencia and Santa Teresa Water Treatment Plants. Staff emphasized that existing treatment processes effectively remove mussels and drinking water quality is not affected. However, Valley Water has suspended water transfers from San Luis Reservoir to Calero Reservoir, and the agency's near- and mid-term mitigation measures are currently estimated at approximately $2 million, including UV treatment systems and hot water flushing at pumping plants. Staff said the issue could increase maintenance needs and operational costs for water infrastructure over time.
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