Cleaning Quagga Mussels in Ventura County, CA

At Ventura Boat Services, we are often asked about requirements and professional cleaning around the issue of Quagga mussels.  Quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) are an invasive aquatic species that have infested several Ventura County water bodies, including Lake Piru (confirmed in 2013) and the Freeman Diversion Facility near Saticoy (detected in 2023).  Quagga mussels have been established here in Ventura County since 2013, but its spread has been limited thanks to strict monitoring. We have seen no new major infestations reported in 2025, though vigilance continues.  There are also statewide concerns about golden mussels (a related invasive detected in Northern CA in 2024).

"Cleaning off" Quagga mussels typically refers to decontamination of boats, trailers, equipment, or infrastructure to prevent spread, as required under California's Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention programs. This is governed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), and local ordinances.

Lake Casitas (managed by Casitas Municipal Water District) has some of the strictest rules about invasive species due to its role as a drinking water source. All trailered boats, canoes, and hard-shell kayaks require a mandatory inspection, 35-day quarantine (boat cabled and tagged), and proof of clean/dry status. Fees: $75 initial inspection + $20 launch.

California's statewide "Clean, Drain, Dry" protocol applies everywhere, including here in Ventura County. This is mandatory for boaters leaving infested waters (e.g., Lake Piru) or entering uninfested ones (e.g., Lake Casitas).

We follow these steps to avoid violations:

Clean:  We remove all visible mussels, plants, mud, and debris from boats, trailers, motors, anchors, and gear. We then scrub or pressure-wash (≥200 PSI) away from waterways (e.g., at a car wash or gravel pad), using hot water (≥140°F for 2 minutes) or approved disinfectants (e.g., 200 ppm chlorine solution for 10 minutes) for thorough kill. All waste is discarded in trash, not in the environment.

Drain:  We empty all water from bilges, livewells, engines, and bait buckets.  We also tilt motors so that they drain all water.  This has to be done on land, and not in storm drains.

Dry:  We recommend that boat owners air-dry equipment for 7–30 days (depending on type; e.g., 30 days for complex boats in summer). Boats should be stored in a dry area; faster drying reduces veliger (larval) risk.

We are happy to answer any questions and/or perform and needed cleaning and inspection for invasive species, including Quagga mussels.  Give us a call at 805-608-4303.