Guidelines for Boat Washing, Splish-Splash Your Boat Needs a Bath!

Splish-Splash Your Boat Needs a Bath!

The arrival of spring and ice out has many boat owners eager to dust off that gem and get out on New Hampshire's lakes and ponds. For some, that means spring cleaning before the maiden voyage. Is so, just follow these trusty tips to ensure a squeaky clean result! But first, let's review some important information so you understand what responsibilities come with boat washing.

Surface water discharges are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES). DES's authority to enforce discharges into state waters is provided for in the following RSA: 485-A:13

1. (a) "It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to discharge or dispose of any sewage or waste [wash water, antifreeze and detergents] to the surface water or groundwater of the state without first obtaining a written permit from the department of environmental services "¦"

This means that boat owners and marina facilities need to take precautions to make sure soaps, cleansers and wastewater aren't dumped into lakes and rivers, or into the ground (unless a discharge permit has been obtained). Let's face it, you don't want to drink or swim in it and neither do the wildlife that call these places home!

Boat Washing - In the Water

This is NOT the recommended method. Please remove your boat from the water prior to washing. Remember, no wastewater can enter surface waters.

Boat Washing - On Land

The recommended method, and likely the most popular among boaters.

• Call around to local marinas to see if they have a designated wash station (with proper permits) that allows boat owners to wash their own boats. If possible, bring your boat to one of these facilities.
• Do not wash your boat close to surface waters or on the boat ramp. Remember no wastewater can be discharged to surface waters!
• If washing your boat on your lake front property, move the boat away from the water and to a permeable surface such as grass or gravel.
• If washing your boat on a hard surface, direct wastewater to a vegetated area and away from storm drains or surface waters.
• Use a spray wash that does not require a water rinse and wipe up with old rags, towels, cloths, or sponge.
• if you use soap and water, use only phosphate free soaps and apply with a sponge. Wipe off with an absorbent product instead of rinsing with water onto the ground. Extract any waste water into a wash bucket. Properly dispose of wash water.
• Wash boat interiors like you wash your kitchen floor - with a bucket and sponge. Properly dispose of wash water.

Boat Washing - Recommended Products

The most natural cleanser to use would be water and some elbow grease. Other natural cleansers include baking soda, borax, and lemon juice. Use natural cleansers in place of solvent-based cleansers, but use in moderation. Otherwise, try to use biodegradable, non-toxic, and phosphate free cleansers if available. If you're unsure if a certain product might have negative environmental impacts, contact DES at (603) 271-2858. Visit the DES Pollution Prevention Program for additional boat washing resources available to educate boat owners and marina facilities. Congratulations, your boat, and surface waters are clean!