Keeping Colorado Waterways Clean and Sustainable

After quagga mussels were found in Lake Mead National Recreation Area in 2007, Colorado stepped up to prevent the spread and proactively protect their waters from any future invasion.

These aquatic invasive species are not only bad for fisheries, but can damage water infrastructure critical for supplying drinking water, irrigation for agriculture, hydropower and can even shutdown water access to recreational boaters.

This is how Colorado is leading the way to protect these waters that so many rely on.

Stopping Contaminated Vessels

Boats go through a mandatory inspection process, where trained staff check areas where invasive species might have attached.

Boat Decontamination 101

Inspectors talk boaters through the inspection process, asking where the boat was last, helping them expedite the process and letting them know what they are looking for.

Decontaminated boats go through several processes to make sure that each and every invasive species have been killed and removed. From an initial rinse to a high temperature spray, crews work to make sure that each contaminated boat is cleaned before heading into the water.

Once a boat is fully decontaminated, as well as boats that come to a launch site clean, drained and dry, are given a tag seal proving that they have passed the inspection or decontamination process and can safely enjoy the waters.

Appreciate