Idaho’s new pull-the-plug law aims to prevent spread of quagga mussels

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Idaho passed new laws to combat invasive species on July 1. 

One is the pull-the-plug law, a new requirement as the state continues to fight against the quagga mussel. 

Pull-the-plug was passed this legislative session when the legislature decided to add a law to the Idaho statute. It requires boaters to pull and clean all plugs.

The law aims to prevent the movement of aquatic invasive species in and around the state. 

“It’s a requirement starting July 1 to pull any boat plugs whether that’s for the bilge, live wells, and particularly the ballast tanks which are known to carry raw water,” said Nic Zurfluh, Bureau Chief of Invasive Species of Idaho. “So, lake water that’s been drafted into the boat, remember aquatic invasive species are living within that water, and so when you’re bringing that into the boat, we need to properly clean, drain and dry that water out.” 

The good news is that checking stations around Idaho, including hot wash stations, can help ensure that your watercraft is clean. 

“If there’s any concern from the public about maybe their boat has been in a high-risk area or a mussel-infested waterbody please reach out,” said Zurfluh. “Go to an inspection station; they have all the decontamination tools that they need to accommodate that type of decontamination. Which requires getting 140 degrees hot water into those tanks for ten second contact time, letting it soak, and then pumping it out.” 

Inspections and decontamination are free of charge.  

Centennial Park also requires hot washes for those entering and exiting the water.

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