It's the Law: Control Aquatic Pests—Don't Move a Mussel

Quagga mussels have invaded vast stretches of the Colorado River bordering Arizona, as well as Lake Pleasant near Phoenix.

It is crucial that all boaters follow simple steps to help prevent the spread of Quagga mussels and other invasive aquatic species.

Day-Use Procedures

Boats on the water for fewer than 5 days could be contaminated with microscopic quagga larvae. Before leaving any lake:

1. Drain the water from the bilge, livewell, and any other compartments that could hold water.
2. Clean the hull and remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from boat, motor, equipment, and trailer.
3. Dry boat and equipment.

If your boat will be used within 5 days, take these additional steps:

4. Replace bilge drain plug and disinfect the bilge by pouring in 1 gallon of household vinegar. Drain the bilge once home. Vinegar can be reused a few times.
5. Hot power wash the boat, motor, trailer, livewell, anchor rope, and anything else that came in contact with the water. Try do-ityourself car washes.
6. If a power wash is not available, spray vinegar on boat, motor, trailer, livewell, and anything else that came in contact with the water. Vinegar also helps fight unsightly calcification on the hull, boat motor, and lower unit.
7. Dry boat and equipment.

Remove and dispose of plants on dry land

Stop the spread of aquatic pests!

Quagga mussels, salvinia, crayfish, and mud snails are most often spread between waterways by hitching a ride on your vessels and trailers.