BOATS

Lakes and rivers are small ecosystems, and it doesn’t take much pollution to damage them. If you have ever been on a dead lake, it’s more than just the plants and fish that are gone. Loons, frogs, ducks and other wildlife that depend on lakes for food also disappear.

One thing that causes these aquatic ecosystems to die is the pollution caused by irresponsible boating practices. Fuel spills, grey water, trash and septic waste are just some of the potential by-products of boating that add to the contamination that can kill lakes, make fish unfit for consumption, harm wildlife and make waters unswimmable.

There are many things you can do to minimize the environmental effects of boating and activities that go along with it.

Engines and fuelling

Boat engines are an obvious source of fuel and other contaminants entering our lakes. Here are some things you can do to ensure that you are not contributing to the pollution of Ontario waterways:

• Choose a more fuel-efficient four-stroke or modern two-stroke injection motor.
• Keep the engine maintained regularly.
• Inspect fuel line, clamps and filters every month.
• If the tank is detachable, fuel it up away from the water.
• Recycle spent fuel and oil (as well as antifreeze, filters and batteries)

Cleaning and maintaining your boat and dock

Responsible boating begins on land! There are many environmentally friendly options for cleaning and maintaining your boat and dock. Here are some of those options:

• If you shrink-wrap your boat during over the winter, use a reusable tarp.
• Clean your boat well (on shore) when leaving the water.

• Wash decks regularly with fresh water and a scrub brush
• this reduces the amount of strong chemical cleaners needed throughout the boating season.
• Use phosphate-free and non-toxic soaps — and don’t use products where the label says "do not get in eyes" or "always wear gloves" because they are more likely to harm you and the environment.
• Use alternative cleaners like baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar.
• Use less cleaning product — a little cleaner can go a lot way if it’s applied with a bit of old-fashioned elbow grease.
• Use the least toxic paint you can find to paint the hull.
• Remove plants or animals clinging to the hull, trailer or motor or that are hiding in the bilge.

Grey water

Grey water is the soapy water resulting from running our boats — it contains toxins like phosphates, chlorine, inorganic salts, and metals.

• Don’t discharge grey water overboard — it contains nutrients that cause excessive vegetation growth and contribute to water quality problems.
• If your boat has a cabin, add a holding tank to store grey water. Marinas can pump the tank out safely.

Black water

‘Black water’ refers to human waste from on-board septic systems. It goes without saying that it shouldn’t be released into our waterways. Here’s what to do:

• You must have a pump-out fitting for your boat’s black water holding tank. Always discharge black water at an accredited facility — most marinas have one.
• Use on-shore washrooms when you are docked — when taking a long boating trip, plan for frequent stops to use on-shore bathroom facilities.
• Treat on-board sanitation systems with products that don’t contain chlorine or formaldehyde.

Litter

Nothing spoils a trip more than seeing garbage floating in the water. It’s more than just an eyesore — it contributes to the contamination of our waters and environment. And people who litter are less likely to take other precautions necessary to protect our environment.

Here are a few tips:

• Don’t throw garbage in the lake — take it home at the end of the outing.
• Dispose of items like cigarette butts and liquids in garbage bins and recycling bins on shore.
• Keep disposal containers on-board, as well as containers for any reusable items.
• Pick up any trash you see floating in the water.

Boat Wake and Speed

The way you operate your boat affects the environment:

• Don’t cause wakes near the shore — it causes shoreline erosion, increased turbidity and plant growth, and can destroy nesting areas and aquatic and wildlife habitats. (And it’s illegal!)
• Whenever possible, stay in deeper water away from other boats and structures.

Clean Marinas

Eco-Rated Clean Marinas provide products and services that enable us to be more environmentally responsible boaters:

• Choose to do business with Eco-Rated Clean Marinas — they’re the ones flying the Ontario Marine Operators Association environmental flag.