Help protect Boulder's waterways and stop the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). More information on ANS
| Watercraft Type | Risk Classification | Incoming with Boulder Tag and Receipt | Incoming with Colorado Tag and Receipt | Incoming without Tag and/or Receipt, or Tag from Out of State, or Confirmed Out of State Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid SUP (stand-up paddleboard) | 1 | Inspection | Inspection | Inspection |
| Inflatable SUP | 2 | Inspection | Inspection | Inflated Inspection |
| Multi Chamber Inflatable (belly boats, tubes, rafts, inflatable boats without motor) | 2 | Inspection | Inspection | Inflated Inspection |
| Canoe/Shell | 2 | Inspection | Inspection | Inflated Inspection |
| Kiteboard, Sailboards, Windsurfer | 2 | Inspection | Inspection | Inspection |
| Open Water Swim Equipment -buoys, anchors, rope, etc. | 2 | Inspection | Inspection | Inspection and Decon |
| Kayak | 3 | Inspection | Inspection and Decon | Inspection and Decon |
| Trailer without Watercraft | 3 | Inspection | Inspection and Decon | Inspection and Decon |
| Watercraft Type | Risk Classification | Incoming with Boulder Tag and Receipt | Incoming with Colorado Tag and Receipt | Incoming without Tag and/or Receipt, or Tag from Out of State, or Confirmed Out of State Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Hull Boat with outboard engine | 3 | Inspection | Inspection | Inspection and Decon and inspection |
| Sailboats without Cabin/Motor | 3 | Inspection | Inspection | Inspection and Decon and inspection |
| Boat with Inboard or I/O motor, live wells, Jet Craft, NO ballast tanks | 4 | Inspection | Inspection and Decon | Inspection + Decon + Quarantine 30 days + Decon +Inspection |
| Sailboats with Cabin/Motor under 50HP, NO ballast tanks | 4 | Inspection | Inspection and Decon | Inspection + Decon + Quarantine 30 days + Decon + Inspection |
| All Pontoon Boats, House Boats, Cabin Cruisers | 5 | Inspection | Forfeiture of Boulder Reservoir Permit | Forfeiture of Boulder Reservoir Permit |
| Any Boats with Ballasts (including removable ballasts) | 5 | Inspection | Forfeiture of Boulder Reservoir Permit | Forfeiture of Boulder Reservoir Permit |
Rated from 1 to 5, with 5 being most risk based on structure of craft and ability to transport ANS.
To ensure no Aquatics Nuisance Species (ANS) are introduced into the Boulder Reservoir, it is necessary to inspect each watercraft that enters the premises. Aquatic nuisance species that we are currently concerned about are Zebra mussels, Quagga mussels, New Zealand mud snails, Eurasian watermilfoil, and Brazilian elodea. Any watercraft entering and leaving the facility will need an inspection. If your watercraft does not pass the inspection, you must also have a Decontamination. You will also need a Decontamination if your watercraft meets any of the criteria in the above table. Additional circumstances may arise where a quarantine and/or additional decontamination will be required.
Class 5 Watercraft going to any other body of water will forfeit their ability to boat at the Boulder Reservoir (even at a “clean”, in-state body of water).
To pass an inspection the watercraft must be Clean, Drained, and Dry. The tag must also be from the Boulder Reservoir and be accompanied by a valid receipt. A tag from any other body of water with any other receipt will require a decontamination.
Decontaminations are performed by certified Boat Inspectors trained and licensed by the State of Colorado. Decontaminations consist of a high and low pressure spray with water 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit. They are performed in order to kill and/or remove possible ANS that may be on or in your watercraft, trailer, engine, or equipment. Engines, motors, ballasts, and bilges must be operational for the Decontamination to be conducted. Owners are required to be present during the decontamination and assist the Boat Inspector during the process.
The cost of a decontamination varies based on the complexity of the watercraft. See Decontamination Fee Structure for updated costs.
Decontaminations are available for current permit holders at the Boulder Reservoir by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call 303-441-3490 a minimum of 72 hours in advance as decontaminations will be performed based on staff availability. Boulder Reservoir staff reserve the right to deny a decontamination at any time for safety concerns (thunderstorms, other extreme weather, watercraft equipment, or Reservoir equipment).
Upon exiting the Boulder Reservoir with your watercraft, you must stop for an Exit Inspection at the Boat Inspector Building. This is the only way to receive a green tag and receipt from the Boulder Reservoir. To pass the inspection your watercraft must be Clean, Drained, and Dry. This includes the ballast tanks, bilge, and live bait wells. In addition, the bilge plug must be removed for transport. Upon successful completion of an inspection, the watercraft will be issued a green Boulder Reservoir tag along with a white receipt. Due to the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil in the Boulder Reservoir, all watercraft including small watercraft (SWC) must be inspected upon exit to ensure you’re not carrying any plant material to another body of water.
All Decontaminations must be scheduled ahead of time. Decontaminations are scheduled by appointment only. No drop-ins will be accepted. No decontamination appointments on holidays.
All equipment must be present at time of decontamination. E.g. PFDs, ropes, skies, boards, etc.
Boat owner MUST be present at the time of decontamination, for the duration of the decontamination process.
The watercraft must be clean and emptied of all trash and personal property. The Reservoir is not responsible for damage or property left in the watercraft. The Boat Inspector is not responsible for cleaning the watercraft, the purpose of decontamination is to ensure that no ANS are introduced into the Boulder Reservoir. Payment is due prior to the decontamination. Payment is due prior to the decontamination.
To schedule a decontamination, call
6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 - (303) 291-7295.
Watercraft inspection and decontamination services are available at no charge from 9am-5pm on Monday-Friday. Appts helpful but not required. Closed on State holidays.
We do NOT accept decontaminations or tags from any state other than Colorado.
Any inspection may lead to a decontamination. When dealing with a suspect watercraft, decontamination will be done, then the watercraft will be required to remain off water pending sampling results.
Anglers should rinse and thoroughly dry all equipment between each use.
