This section was developed using information and original text from the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Control Handbook for Facility Operators.
Periodic backflushing of pipelines can help to eliminate buildups such as this.
Juveniles will settle in internal piping and along any submerged area with a flow rate of less than 1.5 mps (Claudi and Mackie 1994). Properly located flushing valves and piping arrangements which allow on-line high-velocity (3 mps) backflushing of low-flow sections of pipe can be very effective in flushing zebra mussels (EPRI 1992). In areas of piping where on-line flushing is not feasible, another option is flushing valves that use an external water source to flush sections of pipe during shutdown. The backwash cycle can be designed to engage automatically for several minutes prior to the system’s being activated.
Management and Control Contents