ABILENE, Texas — Phantom Hill Lake near Abilene has become the latest Texas lake with an established, reproducing population of invasive zebra mussels, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
TPWD said the lake received a positive designation for zebra mussels in September 2025. Recent testing confirmed that the population has become established and is reproducing.
Zebra mussel larvae appeared in plankton samples collected from multiple locations at the lake during the spring. TPWD staff later surveyed the lake and found adult mussels attached to boat ramps and other infrastructure.
Phantom Hill Lake is among a growing number of West Texas lakes affected by the invasive species. TPWD now lists 40 Texas lakes with zebra mussels, including 36 that the agency classifies as fully infested.
Zebra mussels attach to hard surfaces and can damage boats, water-supply systems and other infrastructure. They can also disrupt aquatic ecosystems and harm native species. Their sharp shells can accumulate along shorelines and create hazards for people using the lake.
Boaters represent a major pathway for zebra mussels to spread from one lake to another. Mussels and larvae can survive in water trapped inside boats, equipment and other recreational gear.
TPWD advises boaters to remove plants, mud and debris from boats and trailers before leaving a lake. They should also drain all water from boats and equipment and allow everything to dry completely for at least a week before entering another body of freshwater.
Anyone who has stored a boat or equipment in an infested water body should contact TPWD at (512) 389-4848 for guidance before moving it to another freshwater location.
Texas law requires boaters to drain all water from boats and onboard receptacles before leaving or approaching a body of water. They must also remove invasive plants from boats and trailers before leaving a lake.
Violations involving the transportation of zebra mussels can result in fines of up to $500 per violation.
TPWD lists these 36 Texas lakes as fully infested with zebra mussels:
Amistad, Austin, Belton, Bridgeport, Brownwood, Buchanan, Canyon, Dean Gilbert, Diversion, Eagle Mountain, Fort Phantom Hill, Georgetown, Granger, Grapevine, Hords Creek, Inks, Lady Bird, Lewisville, Livingston, Lyndon B. Johnson, Marble Falls, Medina, Meredith, Nasworthy, O.H. Ivie, Pflugerville, Placid, Randell, Ray Roberts, Richland Chambers, Stillhouse Hollow, Texoma, Travis, Town Center Pond, Walter E. Long and Worth.