A method is disclosed for removing dissolved oxygen from water containing zebra mussels. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. Oxygen is removed from water to a level below that which is sufficient to support the survival respiration of the zebra mussels. A flow of water (6) from inlet conduit (3) enters a vacuum chamber (2) which is adapted to maintain an air space (5) above water (6). A vacuum pump (7) maintains a vacuum in air space (5) so as to extract dissolved gases, including oxygen, from water (6). An agitation device (8) and a dissolved oxygen sensor (9) may be included within the vacuum chamber (2). An additional vacuum unit (20) may be used to increase the throughput and discharge rate of water entering and leaving the system.
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