January 31, 2025
EBMUD takes steps to prevent golden mussels from infesting public water system
Boat launch closures will protect reservoirs, infrastructure and ecosystem
OAKLAND - The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) announces the closure of boat launches at its reservoirs in the Sierra Nevada foothills until further notice to prevent the introduction of the highly invasive golden mussel into the public water system. The mussel has not been detected at EBMUD reservoirs, and this proactive measure is intended to protect the public water supply, infrastructure, recreation and natural resources. The mussels, which originated in Southeast Asia, colonize on hard surfaces, such as water intakes, impeding water flow, clogging pipes, and damaging equipment, including boat motors. In addition to impacts to infrastructure, the golden mussel also impacts the ecosystem. It reproduces and matures at a rapid rate and is a highly efficient filter feeder that forms dense colonies, consuming large quantities of aquatic microscopic plants and animals that are critical components of the diets of native species and sport fish.
The financial impact of removal and decontamination for systems that are affected is significant for water conveyance, energy production, recreation and agriculture, with costs ultimately passed on to the public.
The mussels, which can colonize over large areas in a matter of months, have already been discovered in the California Delta, prompting state and local water agencies to strengthen safeguards against their further spread. Numerous lakes within the state have also closed or restricted boat launches.
To address this emerging issue, EBMUD has:
- Increased the frequency and locations of water samples at all seven of its raw water reservoirs and surrounding facilities, including the Mokelumne River Hatchery.
- Initiated long-term risk assessments and operational plans to protect connections between EBMUD’s water system and other systems, such as the Freeport Regional Water Project, which allows EBMUD to draw water from the Sacramento River during droughts.
- Coordinated with regional, national and international water managers, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and regional fish hatcheries on best practices for inspections, decontamination, reports and fish plants.
What: Boat launches at Pardee Reservoir will not open in February as previously scheduled. Boat launches at Camanche Reservoir have been closed since November 2024 and will remain closed until further notice. EBMUD will provide a plan for boat launches at local reservoirs soon. Recreation facilities will be open at both locations.
Where:
- Pardee Reservoir, located at 4900 Stony Creek Road in Ione, which provides 90 percent of EBMUD’s public water supply.
- Camanche Reservoir is a flood control reservoir used for downstream water supply, fish habitat, hydropower generation and water management. The North Shore is located at 2000 Camanche Road in Ione, and South Shore is located at 11700 Wade Lane in Valley Springs.
Who: The launch closures apply to all boats, kayaks, canoes and other vessels. Long-term campers who have not removed their boats from EBMUD waters since 2024 are exempt. Additionally, some boat rentals remain available through the recreation concessionaire, ExplorUS. For details, email Camping@GoLakeCamanche.com or PardeeCamping@GoExplorUS.com.
When: There is no anticipated reopening date yet for these boat launches. For updates on this evolving situation, visit ebmud.com/recreation/protecting-natural-habitat/invasive-mussel-prevention.
Why: The golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) is a highly invasive species from Asia that survives in both fresh and brackish water and can be transported via boats, personal watercraft, boat trailers, live bait, fish stocking, and other water-based equipment.
Resources: EBMUD will host a Water Wednesday webinar on the golden mussel on Wednesday, February 19, 2025; 6 p.m. Register for the free webinar here.
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The East Bay Municipal Utility District has a proud history of providing high-quality drinking
water for 1.4 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. EBMUD’s
wastewater treatment serves 740,000 customers and protects the San Francisco Bay. EBMUD is a not-for-profit public agency established in 1923.