Decontaminations

High risk aquatic invasive species like zebra, quagga, and golden mussels are widespread throughout the United States. At this time, they have not been detected in Washington State or in Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish.  

You can help prevent AIS from entering our local waters by ensuring your boat is clean, drained, and dry between uses. If you travel out of state, please stop at all State Highway AIS Check Stations along your route and bring any inspection documentation with you when returning to Whatcom County.  

What is decontamination? 

Decontamination is a specialized cleaning process where inspectors use hot, high-pressure water to kill and remove invasive species. This service is included in the cost of your permit. 

During the process, inspectors will: 

  • Flush interior systems by circulating 120°F water through internal lines. 
  • Pressure wash the exterior hull with 140°F water. 
  • Flush motors, bilges, live wells, and anchor lockers to clear standing water. 
  • Fill and drain ballast tanks or bags with hot water to kill microscopic organisms. 
Boat being decontaminated with hot water
Inspector removing water from boat's internal system during a decontamination

When is decontamination required? 

If staff determine your boat has recently visited infested waters or may be carrying mussels, it must undergo decontamination before passing inspection. Requirements are based on: 

  • Recent locations visited. 
  • How long the boat has been out of the water.
  • The complexity of the watercraft (e.g., internal plumbing).
  • A lack of documentation from State AIS Check Stations. 

Why are decontaminations necessary? 

Aquatic invasive species attach to trailers and hulls, making watercraft the primary pathway for their spread. In their larval stage (veligers), these mussels are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, surviving in even tiny amounts of standing water. Adult mussels are incredibly resilient and can survive out of water for up to 30 days. Decontamination is the only certain way to stop these “hitchhikers” from infesting new lakes. 

Plan Ahead 

If you are arriving from out of state, traveling, or have recently purchased a boat and plan to launch at Lake Whatcom or Lake Samish, please schedule your inspection in advance by calling the AIS Program Hotline number at 360-778-7975. Providing advance notice helps our staff prioritize high-risk vessels, increasing the likelihood that we can complete your decontamination (if needed) and get you on the water the same day.