Colorado Springs Utilities announced Thursday that they are temporarily restricting motorized boating in the Rampart Reservoir because of threats of water contamination from Zebra Mussels.
Approximately 70 percent of Colorado Springs’ drinking water passes through Colorado Springs Utilities-owned Rampart Reservoir.
Zebra mussels are most commonly spread from one body of water to another in the bilges, wet wells and on the hulls of boats that have been in infested water.
So far Zebra Mussels have not been found in Colorado Springs Utilities-owned reservoirs, but they were found in the Pueblo Reservoir last year.
That's what's prompting officials to take a pro-active approach in keeping the water clean.
Non-motorized boats and boats, not requiring a trailer, such as kayaks, canoes and float tubes, are permitted at Rampart Reservoir.
All other forms of recreation previously allowed at Rampart Reservoir, including fishing, are permitted.