DBW_ABCs_2023

Green Boating Guidelines

• Avoid holding tank disinfectants and deodorizers used in Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs) that contain chemicals of concern including: Chlorine compounds (including sodium hypochlorite), formaldehyde, paraformaldehyde, ammonium compounds, glutaraldehyde, paradichloro benzene, or anti-microbials (such as Dowicil or Bronopol). Use enzyme and bio-active treatments

PUMPOUT STATION

when possible as these are biodegradable and less toxic treatments. Read labels carefully and use only the amount recommended to ensure adequate treatment. For California sewage pumpout, dumpstation and floating restrooms, and information about the free pumpout app, visit www.dbw.ca.gov/Pumpouts, or see the inside back cover of this publication. For mobile boat-to-boat services, visit www.dbw.parks.ca.gov/mobileservices. No Discharge Areas It is illegal to release wastes, treated or not, into a federally designated No Discharge Area. Your marine sanitation device (MSD) must be connected to a holding tank or secured to prevent all sewage discharges. California’s No Discharge Areas are: • El Dorado County: Lake Tahoe • Los Angeles County: Avalon Bay Harbor • Marin County: Richardson Bay • Orange County: Dana Point Harbor; Huntington Harbor; Newport Bay (Upper and Lower); Sunset Bay • Placer County: Lake Tahoe • San Diego County: Mission Bay; Oceanside Harbor; San Diego Bay • Ventura County: Channel Islands Harbor Graywater Water from onboard sinks, washers and showers is called graywater, which is discharged directly into the water without treatment. Graywater is often full of phosphates that pollute the water and encourage the growth of unwanted algae. The discharge of graywater is prohibited in some harbors and marinas. Check with marina personnel for local restrictions. To help reduce the amount of graywater discharged: • Use shore-side laundry facilities and showers whenever possible. • Limit the amount of water you use in your boat’s sinks and showers. • Use non-phosphate and biodegradable soaps. • Use the smallest amount of a cleaning product to get the job done.

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