Annual swimming ban imposed at reservoir close to Oakdale CA

Woodward Reservoir imposed its annual swimming ban Tuesday to protect drinking water for a few nearby cities. It runs from just after Labor Day to just before the next Memorial Day weekend.

The spot four miles north of Oakdale still has camping, picnics, fishing, waterfowl hunting and boating. The last of these has restrictions against golden mussels, a destructive invader around California.

Woodward’s ban involves both humans and pets swimming or standing in the water. During this stretch, treated reservoir water supplements wells for about 200,000 people in Manteca, Lathrop and Tracy,

Woodward holds Stanislaus River water for the South San Joaquin Irrigation District. Visitor services have been managed by Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation, but SSJID will have direct control as of Oct. 15. The two sides could not agree on financial and other details of a new contract.

Golden mussels are native to China and Southeast Asia. They reproduce quickly and can harm water systems and wildlife habitat in California. Woodward is among many reservoirs that require deep cleaning of visiting boats before entry.