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LAKE POWELL — Quagga mussels are still an issue at Lake Powell. It's currently the only body of water in Utah suffering from the invasive species.
As a result, Utah and Arizona wildlife officials inspect every vessel that enters and leaves the water — boats, personal watercraft, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and inflatable rafts. That's because the species, which has the ability to harm ecosystems and damage water infrastructure, typically spreads from one body of water to another through boats and other watercraft, earning the nickname of "STD of the Sea."
But with Lake Powell levels falling to record lows, there are fewer access points. With the reservoir about one-quarter full, many docks remain closed because they simply can't reach the water.
"Like the rest of the state, Lake Powell received less precipitation than what we were hoping for and that's been continuing the last few years so that means we're looking at lower water levels," said Lt. Bruce Johnson, of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources aquatic invasive species team.
As temperatures begin to increase and people get the itch to get back to boating, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is urging boaters to prepare for longer inspection and decontamination lines both heading to the lake and leaving it since everyone will be going to the remaining options available.
"(Boaters) are going to need to have patience this year. It's more important than ever to have patience," Johnson added.
The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which includes Lake Powell, brought in over 3.1 million visitors last year despite low levels that limited ramp options. Right now, there is just one available ramp into the lake for motorized vessels, which is the Wahweap Stateline Auxiliary Launch Ramp, according to park officials.
Crews are working to extend the Bullfrog North ramp farther out into the lake, Johnson said. That work is scheduled to begin Monday and will likely be completed in April. A few of the ramps closed to motorized boats are available to nonmotorized watercraft but people are advised to launch there at their own risk.
Quagga mussels have the ability to disrupt food webs, clog water intake pipes and damage boats and harbors, according to the University of Wisconsin. A 2004 report found quagga and zebra mussels can cause upwards of $1 billion in water infrastructure and industries damage annually, as noted by the United States Geological Survey.
There's also no way to really remove them from the water. Since the species is currently just at Lake Powell, Utah began mandatory inspections to ensure the issues related to quagga mussels don't spread to other lakes, rivers and reservoirs across the state.
The division also inspects boats going into other lakes since people may be coming from an infected water source out of state and spreading quagga mussels into Utah. These inspections may only last a few minutes, and up to 10 minutes depending on the type of boat under inspection.
Boaters are also asked to remove the drain plug from their boats to flush all their systems and clear out any possible water that may contain mussel shells. It's required in Utah to remove the plugs even during transportation, Johnson said.
"We also ask to wipe down your boat, make sure the boat and trailer are clean from all those mussel shells that could be stuck to the side or bunks," he added. "And then drive up and present their watercraft to the (inspection) staff. That'll make the process go even faster, more efficient and we can get them out on their way a lot quicker."
People who don't follow the mandatory inspections can end up with a citation. There were 660 citations issued last year as a result of violations related to the law, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
