AREA BOAT DECONTAMINATION

Get Back on Folsom Lake Fast

Professional Boat Decontamination Services
Same Day Green Tags Available!
Skip the 30-Day Quarantine Period
View Services & Book Now
Why is This Required?

⚠️ MANDATORY REQUIREMENT:
All boats launching at Folsom Lake must have decontamination or complete 30-day quarantine

3915 Security Park Dr.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

Available Tuesday-Sunday, 8 AM-5 PM
Appointment Only

Simple Decontamination

$50

Open Bilge (1 System)
Ideal for jet skis and small boats with a single motor, no floorboards, and no enclosed compartments. This hot-water decontamination targets one open bilge system to meet invasive species prevention standards.

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Intermediate Decontamination

$120

2–3 Systems (Includes Enclosed Bilge)
Ideal for bass boats, pontoons, and ski boats without ballast systems. This hot-water decontamination targets 2 to 3 systems, including enclosed bilges, to meet invasive species prevention standards.
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Complex Decontamination

$175

4–5 Water Systems
Ideal for high-capacity vessels like wakeboard boats, cabin cruisers, and ski boats with ballast systems. This hot-water decontamination targets 4 to 5 water-contact systems to ensure full compliance with invasive species prevention standards.
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Important: A decontamination deposit is required at booking.

Our Decontamination Services

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Certified Excellence

Fully certified by Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

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Same Day Service

Get your green tag and launch immediately – no 30-day wait period required
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Local Expertise

Dedicated local team working directly with US State Parks and Recreation
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Professional Equipment

State-of-the-art hot water decontamination systems meeting all regulatory standards
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Official Documentation

Proper sealing and WID system logging for full compliance with lake regulations
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Get Back to Boating

Our mission is getting you back on the water quickly with minimal delays

Important Information

🦪 About Golden Mussels

Golden mussels were discovered in California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024 – the first known occurrence in North America. These invasive species pose severe threats to:
  • Aquatic ecosystems and native species
  • Water delivery and power generation systems
  • Boat engines and hulls
  • Infrastructure and water quality
Without prevention, golden mussels can survive in wider conditions than zebra or quagga mussels and spread rapidly throughout California’s waterways.

📋 Prepare Your Boat

Before your appointment, ensure your boat is Clean, Drained, and Dry:
  • Remove all visible debris, plants, and mud
  • Drain all water from live wells, bilges, and ballast tanks
  • Dry all compartments, life jackets, and equipment
  • Clean hull, propeller, anchor, and trailer
Proper preparation helps ensure faster service and gets you back on the water quickly!

🚤 Exempt Watercraft

The following watercraft are exempt from decontamination requirements:
  • Hand-launched, non-motorized craft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards)
  • Hand-launched boats with small electric trolling motors
  • eFoils and similar equipment

Note: All watercraft must still follow Clean, Drain, and Dry guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Service & Booking Questions

Do I need an appointment for decontamination services?

Yes, all decontamination services are by appointment only through our Square booking system. We're currently experiencing high demand, so walk-ins will be turned away. However, red tag quarantine inspections are available as walk-ins during regular business hours.

What are your operating hours?

We're open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. We're closed on weekends. All decontamination services require advance booking through our online appointment system.

How does payment work?

All services are paid in full at the time of booking through our secure Square payment system using your credit or debit card. No additional payment is required when you arrive for your appointment.

Can I book same-day appointments?

While we try to accommodate same-day requests when possible, we recommend booking in advance due to high demand. Check our online booking system for current availability.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

We require 24-hour advance notice for all cancellations or rescheduling. Please contact us at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time. Our Square booking system allows for easy rescheduling, and we'll work with you to find a new time that works within our Monday-Friday schedule.

What happens if I cancel with less than 24 hours notice?

Cancellations made with less than 24-hour notice may be subject to our cancellation policy. Please refer to the terms provided during booking or contact us directly to discuss your specific situation.

What if weather forces a cancellation?

If weather conditions (such as rain) make decontamination unsafe or ineffective, we'll reschedule your appointment at no charge, regardless of the timing. Safety is our top priority.

How long does each service take?

Service times vary by boat complexity:

  • Simple Decontamination: 15 minutes
  • Intermediate Decontamination: 30 minutes
  • Complex Decontamination: 60 minutes

These times don't include potential wait times during busy periods.

Requirements & Regulations

Why is decontamination mandatory at Folsom Lake?

Golden mussels were discovered in California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024 - the first occurrence in North America. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and California State Parks implemented these measures to prevent the spread of this highly invasive species that threatens aquatic ecosystems, infrastructure, and water quality.

What happens if I don't get my boat decontaminated?

Without decontamination, your boat must undergo a mandatory 30-day quarantine with a red seal before launching. The quarantine period begins on the day of inspection, and you can launch on day 31 or after.

Are all boats required to have decontamination?

All trailered or motorized vessels launching at Folsom Lake or Lake Clementine must either complete the 30-day quarantine or receive professional decontamination. Hand-launched, non-motorized watercraft and boats with small electric trolling motors are exempt but must follow Clean, Drain, Dry guidelines.

Can I still launch at Lake Natoma?

Lake Natoma now only permits hand-launched boats (non-motorized or with small electric trolling motors). Trailered boats are not permitted. The 5 mph speed limit remains in effect.

Boat Types & Service Selection

How do I know which decontamination service I need?

Choose based on your boat's water systems:

  • Simple ($50): Jet skis, small boats with single motor, no floorboards or compartments
  • Intermediate ($120): Bass boats, pontoon boats, ski boats without ballast
  • Complex ($170): Wakeboard boats, cabin cruisers, ski boats with ballast, houseboats
Is my kayak with a trolling motor exempt?

Hand-launched boats with small electric trolling motors (like fishing kayaks) are exempt from decontamination requirements but must follow Clean, Drain, Dry guidelines and may require inspection at staff discretion.

What about paddleboards and canoes?

Non-motorized, hand-launched watercraft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowing shells) are exempt from inspection and decontamination requirements but should still arrive Clean, Drained, and Dry.

Preparation & Process

How should I prepare my boat before arriving?

Your boat must arrive Clean, Drained, and Dry:

  • Remove all visible debris, plants, mud, and organisms
  • Drain all water from live wells, bilges, ballast tanks, and compartments
  • Dry all areas including life jackets, ropes, and anchor
  • Clean the hull, propeller, trailer, and all equipment
What exactly gets inspected and cleaned during decontamination?

Our certified technicians inspect your entire vessel for mussels and standing water, then perform hot-water decontamination of all water systems including engines, live wells, bilges, ballast tanks, and any areas where water can collect.

What if my boat isn't properly cleaned when I arrive?

If your boat doesn't meet Clean, Drain, Dry standards, we may need additional time to prepare it properly, which could delay your service or require rescheduling.

Seals & Launch Process

What's the difference between red and green seals?
Red seals indicate a 30-day quarantine period - your boat cannot launch during this time. Green seals mean your boat has been decontaminated and can launch immediately. You'll also get a green seal when exiting the lake for future launches.
Can I launch at other lakes with my green seal?
No, if you launch at any other waterbody between decontamination and launching at Folsom Lake, your green seal becomes invalid and you'll need another decontamination or quarantine period.
Will you accept seals from other waterbodies?
Yes, we accept red seals from other approved locations (like Lake Berryessa) as long as they've been in place for over 30 days and meet all requirements.
What happens when I exit Folsom Lake?
All vessels must receive a green exit seal from authorized staff before leaving. Staff will ensure no debris remains on your vessel and all water systems are properly drained.

Certification & Effectiveness

Are you certified to perform these services?

Yes, Area Decontamination Services is fully certified by the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Our procedures meet the highest industry standards for preventing aquatic invasive species spread.

How do I know the decontamination is effective?

Our hot-water decontamination systems and procedures are scientifically proven to eliminate golden mussels and other aquatic invasive species. Each service is logged in the official Watercraft Inspection Database (WID) system.

What makes golden mussels so dangerous?

Golden mussels can survive in wider conditions than zebra or quagga mussels, reproduce rapidly, and cause severe damage to ecosystems, water infrastructure, boat engines, and hulls. They can dramatically reduce plankton populations and increase toxic algae blooms.

Contact & Additional Information

What if I have questions about the golden mussel prevention program?

For questions about the overall program, contact California State Parks at GFD.GoldenMussel@parks.ca.gov.

For service-specific questions, contact Area Decontamination Services directly.

Where can I find more information about golden mussels?

Visit the California State Parks webpage for comprehensive details on identification, impacts, and prevention strategies for golden mussels.

Learn More

What if I spot golden mussels in the water?

If you observe golden mussels, report them immediately to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Early detection is crucial for prevention efforts.

Ready to Get Back on the Water?

Don’t wait 30 days – book your decontamination service today and launch immediately!
Schedule Your Service Now

Area Decontamination Services

Professional boat decontamination for Folsom Lake.
Certified by Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

Service Hours

Tuesday – Sunday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

By Appointment Only

Contact Info

Email: areaboatdecon@gmail.com
Phone: 916-768-7028
Serving Folsom Lake, CA

© 2025 Area Decontamination Services. All rights reserved.