Oakland, April 9, 2025
EBMUD boat launch closures extended through 2025 to protect watershed habitat and water infrastructure from invasive golden mussel
Due to the spread of the golden mussel recently discovered in Northern California, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) will keep boat launches closed to private vessels for the 2025 season. This decision eliminates one of the primary ways that mussels spread, helping EBMUD keep its commitment to protect the environment and the public water system on behalf of its 1.4 million customers in the East Bay.
In 2009, an EBMUD risk analysis determined that all EBMUD reservoirs were vulnerable to a golden mussel infestation. At the time of the study, golden mussels did not exist in North America. However, in October 2024, the golden mussel was found in North America – in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta – for the first time. Should mussels enter EBMUD reservoirs or make their way into the water system infrastructure, they could multiply exponentially and hurt the aquatic ecosystems and clog pipes and pumps. Removing mussels after an infestation could be extremely costly and could lead to greater restrictions on recreation at the reservoirs.
This closure allows EBMUD time to study how to prevent and respond to golden mussel infestation. Although boat quarantines and decontamination stations can help reduce the likelihood of introduction, risk remains. EBMUD is working closely with state and federal agencies, research institutions, and other water managers to track the spread, monitor boat traffic, test inspection practices and decontamination protocols, and prepare long-term plans in the event the mussel is introduced into the reservoirs.
The ban is in place at all EBMUD reservoir recreation areas with boat launches: Pardee Reservoir and Camanche Reservoir North and South in the Sierra Foothills, and San Pablo Reservoir in the East Bay.
The closure applies to private boats and other watercraft, including kayaks and paddleboards, excluding boats with a permanent slip for Camanche that were in the water or in onsite dry storage when boat launches closed in November 2024. Life vests are allowed.
EBMUD acknowledges the impact this closure has on the boating community, and thanks the community for helping to protect the environment and critical infrastructure.
The public is invited to enjoy the reservoirs in other ways, including shoreline fishing, boat rentals, hiking, picnicking, birding and more. Events, such as the Kids Free Fishing Day and Spring Derby, both in April at Camanche, will continue.
Recreation is managed on behalf of EBMUD by ExplorUS. To modify an existing reservation, please contact pardeecamping@goexplorus.com and camping@golakecamanche.com.
PHOTOS AND B-ROLL: A selection of closure signs, EBMUD reservoirs, shoreline fishing and drone shots are available for download here.
MORE: Read “EBMUD takes steps to prevent golden mussel from infesting public water supply.”
###
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
system serves 740,000 customers and helps protect the ecosystem of San Francisco Bay.
EBMUD is a not-for-profit public agency established in 1923.