Quagga/Zebra Mussel Prevention Program
Quagga and Zebra Mussels are invasive, non-native mollusks that have been discovered in some California waters recently. State officials say the spread of the mussels threatens water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, recreational boating and fishing, and the environment in general.
To prevent the destructive mussels from potentially shutting down the water delivery system, EBMUD will severely restrict boating on its reservoirs this recreational season and turn away all boats from outside of California, southern California and those from nearby San Benito and Santa Clara counties.
All boats coming in will be inspected before launch, and boaters who have recently had their boats in any newly identified high risk reservoirs will also be turned away. Any boats found to have mussels when inspected will not be allowed on the water and the removal of those mussels on boats will be coordinated with the state Department of Fish and Game. As circumstances develop, additional restrictions may be implemented.
Vessels will fail the Quagga/Zebra Mussel inspection and not be allowed to launch for the following reasons:
- Standing water is found in live wells, bait wells, bilge areas, or any other portions of a vessel.
- Water drains out of an engine when outboard motor or out-drive is lowered into the vertical position.
- Vessel has been used in any body of water in Santa Clara or San Benito County, Southern California or outside of California within the last 30 days.
- Vessel is from Santa Clara or San Benito County, Southern California or outside of California.
- Vessel is found to have mussels attached.
- Boat operator fails to comply with any aspect of the inspection process.
To help expedite the inspection process, you can print and complete a vessel inspection form prior to your arrival.
Vessel Inspection Seal Program
Vessels leaving the launch ramp or gate may elect to have a VESSEL INSPECTION SEAL placed on their vessel. This seal will allow them to re-enter any EBMUD reservoir without having to be re-inspected. Some vessel/trailer configurations preclude the proper placement of the seal. In this event, the vessel would need to be re-inspected upon re-entry. Vessels arriving at the launch ramp or gate with a VESSEL INSPECTION SEAL still need to complete an inspection form but do not need to be re-inspected.
EBMUD is asking all boaters to follow the California Department of Fish and Game guidelines for mussel prevention.
How Boaters Can Help (excerpts from DF&G)
Boaters should check their boat, trailer and vehicle every time a boat is taken out of the water.
- Inspect all exposed surfaces (vehicle, trailer, anchor, dock lines, live wells, bilge, motor, hull, trailer axle and rollers). Small mussels feel like sandpaper and are invisible to the eye.
- Wash the hull of each watercraft thoroughly (steam clean if possible).
- Remove all debris, plant and animal material.
- Drain all water and dry all areas.
- Drain and dry the lower outboard unit.
- Clean and dry all live-wells.
- Empty and dry any buckets.
- Dispose of all bait in the trash.
- Wait five days and keep watercraft dry between launches into different fresh waters.
EBMUD Staff Recommends:
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Learn about quagga mussels, zebra mussels and other invasive aquatic species and how to prevent their spread.
- Do not put your boat into waters that are inhabited or are at high risk of inhabitation. These areas include: Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, Lake Mojave, Lake Skinner, Copper Basin Reservoir, San Justo Reservoir, and generally waters of Santa Clara County, San Benito County, and California counties south of the Tehachapi Mountains, or any waters outside of California. Note that this list is growing as we learn more.
- Maintain a clean and dry boat inside and out! This includes all bilges, tanks, water pipes, trailers and accessories.
- Allow extra time when you visit EBMUD reservoirs to allow for staff to inspect all boats for invasive species and standing water.
- Boats failing inspection will be turned away.
Thank you for your vigilance, support and patience in keeping our waters free of invasive mussels.
Related Links:
DFG’s FAQs - http://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/quaggamussel/docs/quagga_FAQ.pdf
100th Meridian - http://100thmeridian.org/
USGS - http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/
Map of Western waterways with confirmed mussel populations 1/1/08 - http://nas.er.usgs.gov/taxgroup/mollusks/zebramussel/maps/southwest_quagga.pdf