A larval-stage zebra mussel has been found in water from Ontario's Shoal Lake, which is connected to Lake of the Woods and is the source of Winnipeg's drinking water. Unlike sandy Lake Winnipeg, Shoal Lake and Lake of the Woods have a lot of exposed granite that could serve as zebra mussel habitat. If zebra mussels do colonize Shoal Lake and Lake of the Woods, there are many potential environmental effects. The City of Winnipeg has been preparing for the prospect of zebra mussels in Shoal Lake since the 1990s. Zebra mussels can grow on screens, fittings and pipes at the aqueduct intake, said Winnipeg water services manager Tim Shanks.

Source: CBC News April 29, 2019 19:52 UTC