The zebra mussel, a tiny, invasive creature that reproduces at astounding rates, is about to show more than a million North Texans just how big a pest it can be.

Though final details are still being ironed out, officials at the North Texas Municipal Water District say the wholesale cost of water for its 13 member cities and 41 nonmember customers will jump about 14 percent on Oct. 1 to begin paying off $350 million in bonds — with most of the money directly related to the troublesome mussel.

More info at dallasnews.com