Water Supply Reservoirs Closed to Boaters

From June 5, 1992 (update #13)

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Boaters who plan to put their vessels in reservoirs of the New York City water supply system are required to have their craft inspected by personnel from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP), according to a letter sent out by NYCDEP Commissioner Albert Appleton. Appleton writes that people who suspect that their boats have been exposed to zebra mussels can make an appointment to have them "steam cleaned, free of charge. Boaters who use the reservoirs are encouraged to leave their boats at the reservoirs year-round, instead of moving them from one location to another. Anglers are encouraged to not empty water from bait buckets into the city's water supply reservoirs. Boaters can phone (914) 232-5171 for more information and to make appointments to have their boats steam-cleaned.

AUBURN, N.Y. - The Auburn City Council passed an ordinance in May 1991 that prohibits the launching of vessels in Owasco Lake "without an inspection sticker issued by a designated and authorized disinfection/inspection station affixed to said vessel certifying that said vessel is free of contamination from nonindigenous species." Violators may be fined up to $250. Owasco Lake provides the public water supply for the city of Auburn and surrounding communities.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Prior to the 1991 boating season, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (SCCRWA) discontinued a private boat launching program at the Lake Saltonstall reservoir, a filtered public water supply. The water authority bought extra rental boats to offset restrictions on private boat use and instituted a ban on the use of live aquatic baits. All outside contractors' boats and engines, barges or other craft launched in SCCRWA reservoirs now are required to be washed under the observation of agency personnel prior to launching.

BALTIMORE, Md. - A moratorium on the use of privately owned boats in the Baltimore city water supply reservoirs will continue for the remainder of the 1992 season, according to Director of Public Works George Balog. Design and construction of control measures to protect the city's four water intakes will take place during this moratoriumm, Balog said. "We truly regret disappointing the fishermen and recreational boaters who purchase approximately 1,800 boating permits from us each year," Balog said. "We have an obligation to the 1.6 million people who depend on the Baltimore city water system. It is our intent to put design and construction of control mechanisms on a fast track so that we will be in position to restore the boating privilege next season.".

ID: 19920605-9.

The Zebra Mussel Update was a 4- to 8-page quarterly national newsletter published by the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute from May 1990 through May 1997. The ZMU documented the spread of the zebra mussel -- an exotic nuisance mussel -- through North America's freshwater environments, especially the Great Lakes, and on efforts to control it.