Bay Area boaters must anchor their plans for hitting local reservoirs this season. The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is extending its boat launch closures through the end of 2025 to fend off the invasive golden mussel. With a mission to safeguard the area's watershed habitat and water infrastructure, these pesky mollusks threaten to disrupt more than weekend outings.
According to the East Bay Municipal Utility District, the concern is more than theoretical. In a 2009 risk analysis, they found that their reservoirs were sitting ducks for a potential golden mussel infestation. Yet, actual mussels were nowhere to be found in North America. Fast forward to October 2024, and these golden invaders have made an unwelcome debut in our backyard: the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. If these mussels manage to colonize EBMUD's reservoirs and pipes thoroughly, it will both devastate local ecosystems and potentially run up a massive bill for the utility and its customers by clogging vital water infrastructure.
The situation is complicated enough that simple boat quarantines and decontamination stations aren't going to cut it; they only help to reduce the chances of infestation somewhat. Consequently, EBMUD has collaborated with various federal and state agencies, research wizards, and fellow water managers to mount an effective response. They're busy tracking, monitoring, testing, and planning for a future that hopefully doesn't include these unwelcome ships' passengers.
All recreational areas with EBMUD-controlled boat launches are on lockdown, namely Pardee Reservoir, Camanche Reservoir North and South, and San Pablo Reservoir. The restrictions span private boats, kayaks, and paddleboards.
