Boat launches at all East Bay Municipal Utility District reservoirs will remain closed in an effort to keep invasive golden mussels from infesting the public water supply, the agency said.
Golden mussels haven’t been detected in EBMUD’s seven raw water reservoirs, and the boat launch closures announced this past Thursday are a pre-emptive measure to keep them at bay.
Last October, the invasive bivalves were discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta — the first known occurrence of the species in North America, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The mussels, or Limnoperna fortunei, originated in Southeast Asia and are a freshwater species that inhabit shallow waters. The mussels colonize hard surfaces such as water intakes, impeding water flow, clogging pipes, and damaging equipment, including boat motors.
In addition, dense colonies of the mussel consume large quantities of microscopic plants and animals that are critical to native species and sport fish.
The golden mussel has thus been deemed a significant threat to ecosystems, water conveyance systems, infrastructure and water quality in California and across the U.S.
Launches for private vessels are normally available at EBMUD’s Pardee and Camanche reservoirs in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and at San Pablo Reservoir in the East Bay. On Thursday, however, EBMUD said the launches will remain closed until further notice.
Vessel rentals at the locations will remain available through recreation concessionaire ExplorUS.
At the Lafayette Reservoir, vessel rentals are available and cartop/hand-launch boats may be allowed after EBMUD inspection.
At Chabot Reservoir, cartop/hand-launch boats may be allowed after East Bay Regional Park District inspection.
More information on the golden mussel can be found on the CDFW website.
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