Zebra Mussel Infestation Makes Lake Nasworthy Lake Nasty

Is Lake Nasworthy now Lake "Not Worthy"? This Texas lake has been declared infested with Zebra Mussel larva.

Okay, hear me now, I’m not being rude, but I’m trying to make a point when I say we might need to rename Lake Nasworthy to Lake Nasty or Lake Not Worthy. Why? Because in a recent press release, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) officially declared Lake Nasworthy as infested with zebra mussels.

This once-popular West Texas lake, just down the road from Abilene, now has a reproducing population of these highly invasive, shell-clinging critters. For years, TPWD and the Health Department have tried to keep them at bay, but now, they’ve taken hold.

Why Zebra Mussels Are a Big Problem in Texas

Zebra mussels may be small, but their damage is massive. Here's what they can do:

Clog water intake pipes, leading to costly repairs and even drinking water disruptions.
Hurt native species by stealing food and space.
Attach to native mussels, preventing them from feeding, moving, or reproducing.
Damage boats, docks, and other equipment.
Litter shorelines with sharp shells that make lakefront recreation dangerous.

Where They Were Found

According to TPWD, zebra mussel larvae (called veligers) were detected in samples collected near the Knickerbocker Road bridge and the dam in November 2024. A single adult mussel was later found, confirming an active, reproducing infestation.

Fortunately, nearby Twin Buttes Reservoir appears zebra mussel-free, for now. But TPWD plans to keep a close watch.

Boaters, It’s Up to You: Clean, Drain, and Dry

As I always say on the radio: "To stop the invasion of these little zebra mussels, we must all Clean, Drain, and Dry after every outing, whether you've seen them or not."

TPWD urges all boaters to:

Clean: Remove plants, mud, and debris.
Drain: Get rid of all water, including live wells and bait buckets.
Dry: Let everything dry completely for at least a week before your next trip.

What You Can Do

If you see zebra mussels on boats or trailers being moved, or find them in a lake where they haven’t been reported, call TPWD at (512) 389-4848 or email photos and locations to: aquaticinvasives@tpwd.texas.gov.

Let’s protect Texas lakes before they all turn into Lake Not Worthy.