Prevent Water Pollution. Summers are here, which means the boating season is in full swing, and people are hitting the waterways around the state to fish, ski, swim, and soak up the sun. However, while we have our summertime fun, let’s not forget to play our part in preventing water pollution and practice healthier habits from the boat.
Boaters are huge contributors to water pollution, which is why it’s high time we all stand together as a green community and act responsibly by following the given procedures:
1- Service Your Boat Beforehand
Before all else, it’s essential to have your boat professionally serviced or give it a tune-up before hitting the water the first time during the season. This will significantly reduce the chances of oil and gasoline leaking into the water.
2- Don’t Overfill the Tank
Moreover, avoid overfilling your boat’s tank or spilling fuel during the process, as it pollutes the water before your boat’s engine even comes to life.
3- Consider the Bilge Water
If the bilge water is contaminated with fuel or oil, we suggest transferring it into secure containers and dispose of them later.
4- Maintain Your Boat’s Exterior
Similarly, it’s best to keep your boat’s exterior in good shape. For example, you can prevent the chipping paint from contaminating the water by applying an extra coat for preventive purposes.
5- Use Environment-Friendly Boat Cleaning Supplies
Furthermore, we strongly suggest using environment-friendly cleaning supplies and overcoats since their remains don’t pollute the waterways even when they aren’t properly washed away from the boat before use.
6- Upgrade Your Motor
It’s crucial to have your boat’s motor upgraded to a four-stroke model, considering that the older models can emit up to thirty percent of unutilized oil into the water. Contrarily, four-stroke engines can limit that pollution factor by ninety-seven percent.
7- Leave No Litter
Littering water is a big no whether you’re boating, swimming, fishing, or engaging in other water recreational activities. Moreover, if you see any piece of trash floating on the water or shoreline, consider it your duty to pick it up and dispose of it safely once on the land.
8- Row Slow in Shallow and No-Wake Zones
It’s also suggested not to go over five miles per hour when traveling in shallow waters or no-wake zones. This ensures your boat doesn’t churn up sediments that cause harmful nutrients like phosphorus to suspend in the water.
9- Install Proper Sewage System
Your boat must also be fitted with a proper sewage system that holds on to the wastewater. This keeps the contaminated liquid from discharging in the waterways.
10- Use Water-Based Paints
Lastly, it’s preferable to use water-based paints on your boat. It minimizes the chances of contaminating the water with detrimental chemicals.
By practicing these ten tips, you can prevent water pollution from your boat. While encouraging others to take the same preventative steps in your boating circle! If you’re looking to install a floating dock, EZ Dock Texas has got you covered! Check out the best floating docks, or give us a call at (800) 654-8168 to contact our team for further information!
