Denver Water has temporarily closed Antero Reservoir because of the concern over zebra mussels.

Zebra Mussels are an agGressive, non-native pest. They were detected at Pueblo Reservoir.

According to Denver Water, zebra mussels can clog pipes, valves, gates and any water-related equipment or surface. They can ruin boats by jamming equipment and causing motor damage, and they destroy fisheries by consuming nutrients and wrecking the food chain.

Denver Water has closed Antero Reservoir to boating until proper inspection and decontamination procedures are implemented. Denver Water is working with Colorado State Parks, the Colorado Division of Wildlife and other entities to create an inspection and decontamination system.

Officials are concerned zebra mussels will attach themselves to boat hulls, trailers and aquatic plants and be transported to other reservoirs such as Antero.

You can learn more about zebra mussels at the Colorado State Parks Web site and the Web site for aquatic nuisance species.