Wednesday July 1, 2026
FOX 40 —
California is investing $6 million to combat the spread of golden mussels after the species was discovered impacting water infrastructure in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, including facilities serving San Joaquin County.
State officials say the mussels have begun attaching to pipes, pumps, and gates, increasing maintenance costs and raising concerns about the long-term reliability of the region’s water supply. The announcement comes after Stockton declared a local emergency when mussels were found in the city’s Delta water supply intake station.
Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom said the funding will help agencies respond where the infestation is having the greatest impact.
“This is for decontamination just in the Delta, which is really where we see the most impact,” said Ransom.
Ransom is also backing Assembly Bill 2032, legislation intended to speed up the permitting process so that water agencies can respond more quickly to infestations.