Lake Waukomis Zebra Mussel Prevention Guide 2025
RECERTIFICATION 2025: Please read this information and complete the verification form.
NEW RESIDENTS AND FIRST TIME CERTIFICATION: Please read this prevention guide and view the video on the following page
NEW RESIDENTS AND FIRST TIME CERTIFICATION: Please read this prevention guide and view the video on the following page
The Threat Of Zebra Mussels
Zebra mussels are a destructive invasive species and are migrating into the area, posing a potential threat to the waters of Lake Waukomis. There is no effective way to remove zebra mussels once they become established. Prevention is our only option. They spread from one lake or river to another when they attach themselves to boats, ropelines, and other gear that comes in contact with the water. New reports are coming out that zebra mussels can also be (and have been) transported in aquarium supplies and accessories. Never place anything from aquariums into the lake or watershed.
A few drops of water left in a bait bucket or a life jacket may contain enough microscopic eggs to infest an entire lake. One female can produce a million eggs per year. It is impossible to see their eggs and larvae with the naked eye. As residents of Lake Waukomis, our only chance of preventing mussel infestation is if we all work together and be extremely cautious to prevent bringing zebra mussels to our lake. Our motto is:
"NO GEAR EXCEPT FROM HERE"
This means that we can't allow anyone to bring anything - boats, equipment, gear, toys, etc. - to our lake that carries a risk of zebra mussels.
As residents, we should designate our "gear" for use ONLY at Lake Waukomis, and follow the prevention guidelines in this booklet. We also need to remind our guests not to bring any outside equipment to our lake - it is just too risky!
This guide provides information about our role in preventing zebra mussels at Lake Waukomis.
Step 1: Designate your "Lake Waukomis Gear."
We recommend that the gear and watercraft you use here at Lake Waukomis should stay here, and only be used here. That is the best prevention.
Here are some examples:
If you fish regularly in other bodies of water, we recommend you maintain two sets of gear, one for use here, and another for use outside of Lake Waukomis.
If you kayak, canoe, or paddleboard in other bodies of water, we recommend that you do not use your Lake Waukomis designated watercraft for these activities.
Common Questions
What if I do use my fishing gear, floaties, watercraft or other gear in another body of water?
What other "gear" should I be concerned about?
What about towels and swimwear?
Again, it is ideal to separate which items are used at Lake Waukomis or outside of Lake Waukomis. Understanding that's not always possible, use the following guidelines:
Step 2: Educate your guests
Even with good intentions, people who don't live here may be unaware of the extreme risk of transporting zebra mussels. Print and share this packet, refer people to this training website www.lkwkinfo.org, and post reminders on your dock. Inform your friends that "outside gear" is our biggest risk, and we simply can't allow it on our lake.
My kids invite their friends to swim or fish, how can I possibly supervise every guest?
This is the reason we set the goal to have every person over the age of 14 participate in the training. Young people who understand the risks first-hand will probably be more invested in keeping our lake safe. Their friends will not want to swim in a lake with blue-green algae slime. People of all ages, residents and non-residents, even those under age 14, are welcome and encouraged to complete the training and be informed.
Are residents held responsible for their guests' actions?
Yes, residents are all expected to make sure their guests comply, and may be held responsible for the conduct of their guests.
Step 3: Protect our Watershed
The watershed is the area of land that surrounds the lake. When it rains, the runoff washes over the land before it enters our lake. The same is true if we are washing boats or gear with a hose - the water eventually runs to the lake. Therefore, it is important - if we have boats, trailers, or other gear that have been used in other bodies of water - that we clean our equipment OUTSIDE of our watershed.
I have a boat that I don't use in Lake Waukomis, but I store it in my driveway. Do I need to wash it before I bring it home?
Yes. Our driveways (and all the land surrounding the lake) are in our watershed. For boats, use a commercial car wash with a hot water setting. See the appendix for a list of nearby car wash facilities. Most large recreational lakes also have fresh water facilities to wash the boat near the launch site as you are leaving the lake, but you'll want to make sure HOT water is available. Missouri Department of Conservation recommends that you Clean, Dain and Dry your boat before you leave any waterbody.
Step 4: Clean - Drain - Dry - Quarantine
We strongly recommend that residents of Lake Waukomis maintain separate "Lake Waukomis" gear whenever possible. This is the best way to prevent spreading zebra mussels and other invasive species. However, if individuals do use any "gear" in other bodies of water, or if an individual purchases a used boat or other gear, the following procedures MUST be used to ensure that the items do not carry zebra mussels.
Treatment and Quarantine Procedures:
· CLEAN: Thoroughly wash the item with hot soapy water; pay special attention to crevices and small hidden areas. Remove any plant material, mud, sediment. Boats, trailers, motors and other large items must be power-washed at a commercial car wash outside of Lake Waukomis to prevent runoff inside our watershed. Small items (fishing gear, life jackets, swim goggles, toys, floaties) should be washed in an indoor sink/tub where the water will go down the drain to a municipal treatment facility. If adult mussels are found, they must be scraped off. The larvae and eggs (veligers) are invisible to the naked eye, so thorough washing is important even if adult zebra mussels are not visible.
· DRAIN: Drain all water away from our lake (Including live wells, coolers, etc.). Do not drain water or liquids inside our watershed. Pay attention to small crevices that may hold water.
· DRY: Dry thoroughly. Dry crevices with a towel. For clothing and towels, wash them and use a dryer on hot setting if possible. For air-drying, use the "quarantine time" chart, usually 7-30 days. Make sure the item is thoroughly dry. Any dampness creates an environment where the microscopic eggs and larvae can survive.
· QUARANTINE: Wait time is dependent upon air temperature and humidity levels. (see Chart) It takes this long to make sure any mussels, eggs and larvae have been killed. Remember - you can't see them. They are microscopic. Allow time for quarantine.
· DISPOSE: Dispose of unused bait in the trash. Never put it in the lake.
Zebra mussels are a destructive invasive species and are migrating into the area, posing a potential threat to the waters of Lake Waukomis. There is no effective way to remove zebra mussels once they become established. Prevention is our only option. They spread from one lake or river to another when they attach themselves to boats, ropelines, and other gear that comes in contact with the water. New reports are coming out that zebra mussels can also be (and have been) transported in aquarium supplies and accessories. Never place anything from aquariums into the lake or watershed.
A few drops of water left in a bait bucket or a life jacket may contain enough microscopic eggs to infest an entire lake. One female can produce a million eggs per year. It is impossible to see their eggs and larvae with the naked eye. As residents of Lake Waukomis, our only chance of preventing mussel infestation is if we all work together and be extremely cautious to prevent bringing zebra mussels to our lake. Our motto is:
"NO GEAR EXCEPT FROM HERE"
This means that we can't allow anyone to bring anything - boats, equipment, gear, toys, etc. - to our lake that carries a risk of zebra mussels.
As residents, we should designate our "gear" for use ONLY at Lake Waukomis, and follow the prevention guidelines in this booklet. We also need to remind our guests not to bring any outside equipment to our lake - it is just too risky!
This guide provides information about our role in preventing zebra mussels at Lake Waukomis.
Step 1: Designate your "Lake Waukomis Gear."
We recommend that the gear and watercraft you use here at Lake Waukomis should stay here, and only be used here. That is the best prevention.
Here are some examples:
If you fish regularly in other bodies of water, we recommend you maintain two sets of gear, one for use here, and another for use outside of Lake Waukomis.
If you kayak, canoe, or paddleboard in other bodies of water, we recommend that you do not use your Lake Waukomis designated watercraft for these activities.
Common Questions
What if I do use my fishing gear, floaties, watercraft or other gear in another body of water?
- If your "Lake Waukomis Gear" is used outside of Lake Waukomis, then you must follow the prevention guidelines in Step Four (below) to "Clean, Drain, Dry and Quarantine" the gear BEFORE it is returned to use in Lake Waukomis.
- Stay informed about infestations in our area - information is not necessarily posted at infested lakes and rivers. And remember that a lake or river may carry zebra mussels for up to two years before they are discovered. Assume that any body of water is potentially infested with zebra mussels.
- Any type of boat - pontoon, fishing boat, canoe, kayak, sailboat, inflatable boat.
- Other things to ride or float - paddleboard, sailboard, inflatable tubes or floaties, ski boards, etc.
- Things to store/transport boats - docks, trailers, etc.
What other "gear" should I be concerned about?
- Items with grooves or crevices such as goggles, masks, fins, water toys, tackle boxes, bait buckets, rod and reel, fishing lures, etc.
- Any absorbent items, such as life jackets, ropes, beverage "koozies" key floats, noodles, lake shoes, wet suits, fishing tackle/lines, etc.
- Basically, anything that gets wet or damp in another body of water. Probably even swimming pools.
- Don't forget your shoes! Be sure to clean and dry any lake shoes, walking/hiking shoes, sandals, etc. that may have been exposed to the waters or mud of other lakes or rivers.
- Aquariums may also harbor zebra mussels - never place anything into the lake or watershed that has been used in an aquarium. Zebra mussels have been transported in aquarium "moss balls" and can infest the full aquarium.
What about towels and swimwear?
Again, it is ideal to separate which items are used at Lake Waukomis or outside of Lake Waukomis. Understanding that's not always possible, use the following guidelines:
- For clothing and linens, wash in a washing machine on warm or hot setting, and dry in a clothes dryer on high setting.
- If a clothes dryer is not used, allow the item to air dry for AT LEAST 7-10 days before being returned to use in Lake Waukomis.
- For an extra precaution, you could place the item in the freezer for three consecutive days after it has been washed and completely air-dried.
Step 2: Educate your guests
Even with good intentions, people who don't live here may be unaware of the extreme risk of transporting zebra mussels. Print and share this packet, refer people to this training website www.lkwkinfo.org, and post reminders on your dock. Inform your friends that "outside gear" is our biggest risk, and we simply can't allow it on our lake.
My kids invite their friends to swim or fish, how can I possibly supervise every guest?
This is the reason we set the goal to have every person over the age of 14 participate in the training. Young people who understand the risks first-hand will probably be more invested in keeping our lake safe. Their friends will not want to swim in a lake with blue-green algae slime. People of all ages, residents and non-residents, even those under age 14, are welcome and encouraged to complete the training and be informed.
Are residents held responsible for their guests' actions?
Yes, residents are all expected to make sure their guests comply, and may be held responsible for the conduct of their guests.
Step 3: Protect our Watershed
The watershed is the area of land that surrounds the lake. When it rains, the runoff washes over the land before it enters our lake. The same is true if we are washing boats or gear with a hose - the water eventually runs to the lake. Therefore, it is important - if we have boats, trailers, or other gear that have been used in other bodies of water - that we clean our equipment OUTSIDE of our watershed.
I have a boat that I don't use in Lake Waukomis, but I store it in my driveway. Do I need to wash it before I bring it home?
Yes. Our driveways (and all the land surrounding the lake) are in our watershed. For boats, use a commercial car wash with a hot water setting. See the appendix for a list of nearby car wash facilities. Most large recreational lakes also have fresh water facilities to wash the boat near the launch site as you are leaving the lake, but you'll want to make sure HOT water is available. Missouri Department of Conservation recommends that you Clean, Dain and Dry your boat before you leave any waterbody.
Step 4: Clean - Drain - Dry - Quarantine
We strongly recommend that residents of Lake Waukomis maintain separate "Lake Waukomis" gear whenever possible. This is the best way to prevent spreading zebra mussels and other invasive species. However, if individuals do use any "gear" in other bodies of water, or if an individual purchases a used boat or other gear, the following procedures MUST be used to ensure that the items do not carry zebra mussels.
Treatment and Quarantine Procedures:
· CLEAN: Thoroughly wash the item with hot soapy water; pay special attention to crevices and small hidden areas. Remove any plant material, mud, sediment. Boats, trailers, motors and other large items must be power-washed at a commercial car wash outside of Lake Waukomis to prevent runoff inside our watershed. Small items (fishing gear, life jackets, swim goggles, toys, floaties) should be washed in an indoor sink/tub where the water will go down the drain to a municipal treatment facility. If adult mussels are found, they must be scraped off. The larvae and eggs (veligers) are invisible to the naked eye, so thorough washing is important even if adult zebra mussels are not visible.
· DRAIN: Drain all water away from our lake (Including live wells, coolers, etc.). Do not drain water or liquids inside our watershed. Pay attention to small crevices that may hold water.
· DRY: Dry thoroughly. Dry crevices with a towel. For clothing and towels, wash them and use a dryer on hot setting if possible. For air-drying, use the "quarantine time" chart, usually 7-30 days. Make sure the item is thoroughly dry. Any dampness creates an environment where the microscopic eggs and larvae can survive.
· QUARANTINE: Wait time is dependent upon air temperature and humidity levels. (see Chart) It takes this long to make sure any mussels, eggs and larvae have been killed. Remember - you can't see them. They are microscopic. Allow time for quarantine.
· DISPOSE: Dispose of unused bait in the trash. Never put it in the lake.
Chart for Quarantine Time
January: 73 days*
February: 46 days*
March: 29 days
April: 19 days
May: 12 days
June: 7 days
July: 7 days
August: 7 days
September: 7 days
October: 19 days
November: 29 days
December: 46 days*
* Three consecutive days BELOW freezing is considered adequate
How hot should the water be when I'm washing my gear?
Missouri Department of Conservation reports that washing for 20 minutes at 104 degrees (F), or for 10 minutes at 140 degrees (F) is effective. (Most household water temperature does not reach 140 degrees.) Some research from the state of Virginia indicates that the eggs and larvae are destroyed at a temperature of 110 degrees (F) while the adult mussels can withstand temperatures up to 140 degrees. Therefore it is important to scrape off any adult mussels and allow adequate drying time for all gear.
Can Zebra Mussels live outside of water?
Yes, there are reports of zebra Mussels living for two weeks or more outside of water in cool or humid conditions.
How do I know if a Lake I visit is infested with Zebra Mussels?
Use "Universal Precautions" and treat all bodies of water as if they are potentially infested. A lake or river may carry zebra mussels for two years before the infestation is identified. Their larvae cannot be seen with the naked eye. Recreational lakes do not always want to publicize the fact that zebra mussels and other invasive species are present - it could hurt them financially. A list of known infestations is included in the appendix - but be aware there may be zebra mussels activity long before it is confirmed. Unfortunately, some of the confirmed locations are close-by and are probably visited by some of our residents. (Such as Smithville and Lake of the Ozarks.)
How are dry times and quarantine times determined?
Use the chart above for dry quarantine time. This chart reflects wait times for our geographical area, based on NOAA climate data and current zebra mussel research. If you are visiting other geographic areas, visit the 100th Meridian Project website for a tool that calculates wait times based on your location. www.100thmeridian.org
Step 5: Follow the Rules (It's THAT Important!)
As a private lake community we already had several regulations in place that help protect us from the introduction of zebra mussels. A few new ones were added. While this list may not be all-inclusive, here are highlights as listed in the Zebra Mussel Regulations:
· All watercraft and docks must be registered with a current sticker displayed.
· Guests may not bring watercraft or other gear onto the lake.
· All motorized watercraft must be inspected (and quarantined if needed) by the designated Association Member before being placed on the lake.
· All docks and any dock equipment/parts coming from another lake must be inspected and quarantined by the designated Association Member prior to being placed on the lake. Generally, docks that have been used in any other lake will not be permitted on Lake Waukomis.
· Fishing is prohibited on the dam and spillway.
· With the resident's permission, non-resident guests may fish from the resident's dock or boat. Non-residents may not fish in the parkway unless a resident is present with them. Guests may not bring outside gear into the lake.
· Swimming is permitted only for residents and their guests. A resident must accompany any guests while swimming, unless swimming form the resident's dock or boat with permission. A resident must be present if guests are swimming in the spillway area.
As a private lake community we already had several regulations in place that help protect us from the introduction of zebra mussels. A few new ones were added. While this list may not be all-inclusive, here are highlights as listed in the Zebra Mussel Regulations:
· All watercraft and docks must be registered with a current sticker displayed.
· Guests may not bring watercraft or other gear onto the lake.
· All motorized watercraft must be inspected (and quarantined if needed) by the designated Association Member before being placed on the lake.
· All docks and any dock equipment/parts coming from another lake must be inspected and quarantined by the designated Association Member prior to being placed on the lake. Generally, docks that have been used in any other lake will not be permitted on Lake Waukomis.
· Fishing is prohibited on the dam and spillway.
· With the resident's permission, non-resident guests may fish from the resident's dock or boat. Non-residents may not fish in the parkway unless a resident is present with them. Guests may not bring outside gear into the lake.
· Swimming is permitted only for residents and their guests. A resident must accompany any guests while swimming, unless swimming form the resident's dock or boat with permission. A resident must be present if guests are swimming in the spillway area.
Can I get involved?
Yes! The Zebra Mussel Committee is a volunteer group of Lake Waukomis residents working in conjunction with the Lake Waukomis Association. We value our lake lifestyle, and want to protect it. The goal is to do everything we - all of us - can to keep our lake, its future, and our property values safe. We can only do that by reaching out to everyone who uses our lake. If you would like to join the effort, or if you have ideas to share, or if you have questions about zebra mussels or aquatic invasive species in general - please contact us! lakezmc@gmail.com
Yes! The Zebra Mussel Committee is a volunteer group of Lake Waukomis residents working in conjunction with the Lake Waukomis Association. We value our lake lifestyle, and want to protect it. The goal is to do everything we - all of us - can to keep our lake, its future, and our property values safe. We can only do that by reaching out to everyone who uses our lake. If you would like to join the effort, or if you have ideas to share, or if you have questions about zebra mussels or aquatic invasive species in general - please contact us! lakezmc@gmail.com
Appendix
A. List of Nearby Car Washes for Boats, Trailers, Large Items
North Oak at approximately 60th Street
Barry Road at Green Hills
Riverside: NW Gateway at Vivion, near the QuikTrip
Smithville: Pro Car Wash Self-Serve: 300 Park Drive, Smithville MO (On 169 Hwy just South of 92 Hwy -West side of 169)
Pro Car Wash Self-Serve: 105 1st Street, Smithville Mo (1 block East of 169 Hwy, Across from Cemetery)
A. List of Nearby Car Washes for Boats, Trailers, Large Items
North Oak at approximately 60th Street
Barry Road at Green Hills
Riverside: NW Gateway at Vivion, near the QuikTrip
Smithville: Pro Car Wash Self-Serve: 300 Park Drive, Smithville MO (On 169 Hwy just South of 92 Hwy -West side of 169)
Pro Car Wash Self-Serve: 105 1st Street, Smithville Mo (1 block East of 169 Hwy, Across from Cemetery)
B. List of Known Infestations in Missouri and Kansas
Please remember that lakes may be infested long before they are reported.
Treat all bodies of water as being potentially infested with Zebra Mussels.
Missouri:
Barber Lake
Bull Shoals Lake
Lake Lotawana
Lake Niangua
Lake of the Ozarks
Lake Taneycomo
Longview Lake
Smithville Lake
Truman Lake
Little Platte River
Meramec River
Missouri River
Mississippi River
Osage River
Kansas:
Afton
Cedar Bluff Reservoir
Chase State Fishing Lake
Cheney Reservoir
Clinton Reservoir
Coffee County Lake
Council Grove Reservoir and City Lake
El Dorado Reservoir
Glen Elder Reservior - Waconda Lake
Hillsdale Lake
Jeffery Energy and Auxiliary Lakes
John Redmond Reservoir
Kanapolis Reservoir
Lake Afton
Lake Miola
Lake Shawnee
Lake Wabaunsee
Lyon
Marion Reservoir
Melvern Reservoir
Milford Reservior
Perry Lake / Reservoir
Pomona Lake / Reservoir
Osage Lake
Shawnee Lake
Tuttle Creek
Wellington City Lake
Wilson Reservoir
Winfield City Lake
Wyandotte County Lake
Waconda Lake
Wolf Creek
(All rivers that flow from these impoundments are also affected.)
