California’s stunning waterways—from coastal stretches to inland lakes—offer endless opportunities for boating enthusiasts. But with great beauty comes great responsibility. The California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) has developed a suite of resources to help boaters minimize their environmental impact and preserve these aquatic treasures for generations to come.

Proper sewage disposal is essential to keeping waterways clean. DBW provides a comprehensive list of Southern California pumpout locations, enabling boaters to discharge waste at designated facilities safely. These stations help prevent untreated sewage from entering the water, protecting both human health and marine ecosystems.

https://tinyurl.com/socal-pumpout 

California Pumpout Nav App

To make clean boating even easier, DBW launched the Pumpout Nav App—a free mobile tool for iOS and Android. It helps boaters locate the nearest operational pumpout stations, dump stations, and floating restrooms. The app also allows users to report broken facilities in real time, ensuring swift maintenance and continued access. With over 240 pumpout stations listed, it’s a must-have for eco-conscious boaters.

https://tinyurl.com/PumpoutNavApp

Boat Cleaning Guide and Preventing Mussel Damage

Invasive species like Quagga and Zebra mussels pose serious threats to California’s waterways. DBW’s Boat Cleaning Guide outlines best practices for inspecting and cleaning vessels to prevent mussel spread. It includes detailed checklists for various watercraft types—from kayaks to houseboats—and emphasizes the importance of drying boats thoroughly before launching in new waters.

https://tinyurl.com/Boating-QuaggaGuide

Environmental Boating Laws

Boaters must comply with a range of state and federal laws designed to protect water quality. These include regulations on sewage discharge, oil spills, and the use of marine sanitation devices (MSDs). Violations can result in hefty fines or even criminal penalties. The brochure also explains how to secure Y-valves, report spills, and avoid illegal dumping in No Discharge Zones. 

https://tinyurl.com/EnviroLawsBrochure

Boating Clean and Green

DBW’s Boating Clean and Green initiative promotes sustainable boating through education and outreach. The program encourages boaters to use non-toxic cleaning products, properly dispose of waste, and report environmental hazards. It also partners with marinas and marine businesses to foster a culture of stewardship across California’s boating community. 

https://tinyurl.com/BoatingCleanAndGreen

Be a Steward of the Sea

Whether you're cruising the coast or paddling a quiet lake, your actions matter. By using pumpout stations, following cleaning protocols, and respecting environmental laws, you help safeguard California’s waters for wildlife, fellow boaters, and future generations.