Help protect Boulder's waterways and stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). More information on ANS
Holiday Closures
In observance of the Juneteenth Holiday on June 19, the City of Boulder is adjusting its operations schedules.
Small Watercraft (SWC) and Equipment
| Watercraft Type | Risk CLASS | Incoming | Incoming with confirmed out of state use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid SUP (stand-up paddleboard) | 1 | Inspection | Inspection |
| Inflatable SUP | 2 | Inspection | Inflated Inspection |
| Multi Chamber Inflatable (belly boats, tubes, rafts, inflatable boats without motor) | 2 | Inspection | Inspection & Decon |
| Canoe/Shell, Kayak, Kiteboard, Sailboard, Windsurfer | 2 | Inspection | Inspection & Decon |
| Open Water Swim Equipment -buoys, anchors, rope, etc. | 2 | Inspection & Decon | Inspection & Decon |
Trailered/Motorized Watercraft
| Watercraft Type | Risk Class | 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, Simple Outboard Boats | 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, Jet Craft, Complex Outboard Boats, 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 |
Risk Class Scale
Rated from 1 to 5, with 5 being most risk based on structure of craft and ability to transport ANS.
Watercraft Entry Inspections
To ensure no Aquatics Invasive Species (AIS) are introduced into the Boulder Reservoir, it is necessary to inspect each watercraft that enters the premises. Aquatic invasive species that we are currently concerned about are Zebra mussels, Quagga mussels, Golden 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).
Inspections
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.
- Clean – Absent of visible AIS, attached vegetation, dirt, debris or surface deposits including mussel shells or residue on the watercraft, trailer, engine, or equipment that could mask the presence of attached mussels.
- Drained – All water drained from any live well, bait well, storage compartments, bilge area, engine compartment, floor, ballast tank, water storage and delivery system, cooler, or other areas on the watercraft, trailer, engine, or equipment. State Regulation requires that bilge plug must be out when the watercraft is not in use.
- Dry – No visible sign of any standing water on or in the watercraft, trailer, engine or equipment.
Watercraft Decontaminations
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 AIS 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. Decontaminations are offered April 1 - October 31. To make an appointment, email boatpermit@bouldercolorado.gov, 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).
Watercraft Exit Inspections
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.
Decontamination Fee Structure
All Decontaminations must be scheduled ahead of time. Decontaminations are scheduled by appointment only. No drop-ins will be accepted. Decontaminations are offered at the Boulder Reservoir April 1 - October 31. No decontamination appointments on holidays.
- $20
- Small Watercraft
- $75
- Hobie Cats, Sunfish and similar watercraft; owner must be able to step and de-step mast to assist with sail and mast decontamination.
- Class 3 Motorboats
- Simple outboard boats
- $110
- Class 4 boat
- One motor flush.
- NO ballast tanks.
- Any interior compartments and containers.
- Exterior and hull
- $200-350 based on severity
- Class 5 boats
- Ballast boats, Cabin Cruisers and Pontoon Boats.
- Sail Boats over 14ft. with or without water ballasts.
- $50
- Inboard, Inboard/Outboard, Outboard, Jet, or Trolling Motor Flush
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 AIS are introduced into the Boulder Reservoir. Payment is due prior to the decontamination.
To schedule a decontamination email
More Information
Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, Denver Office
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.
Live Bait
Regulations
- Live aquatic bait is prohibited west of the Continental Divide, except at Navajo Reservoir, and east of the Continental Divide above 7,000 feet.
- In areas where live bait is allowed, boaters must show a receipt that the bait was purchased within seven days of use from a Colorado commercial bait dealer and the receipt must itemize the type of the bait purchased.
- The Boulder Reservoir reserves the right to deny the use of any bait for environmental safety reasons.
Recommendations
- Anglers should not collect and transfer live bait from a reservoir where mussel larvae have been found.
- Anglers using live bait should always minimize the transfer of water with bait between reservoirs. Netting bait and transferring to a clean container with distilled water will minimize risks of AIS transfer.
Anglers should rinse and thoroughly dry all equipment between each use.