Watershed Management Bureau

  New Hampshire's Clean Vessel Act Program

    Frequently Asked Questions

You can do your part to preserve water quality by using landside facilities, when possible, and by having the appropriate type of waste handling system on your boat. All waste systems on inland waters in the state of New Hampshire must be self-contained with no possibility of discharge into the surrounding waters.

• Make sure your boat has a proper waste containment system for the waters you most frequently navigate. Know the type of marine sanitation device that is installed on your boat (see below for more information).

• Report vessel sewage discharge violations to the Marine Patrol (inland waters) or the local Coast Guard (coastal NH).

• If you have sanitary facilities on your boat, USE pumpouts and dump stations. They are convenient and inexpensive. In NH, if the station is funded by the CVA grant, a maximum fee of $5.00 may be charged for use of pumpout facilities.

• Educate your peers. Inform them of the laws. Tell them about this website. Help them understand why it is important to protect New Hampshire waters from boat waste discharges. Refer them to the marina or facility where you have your boat wastes removed.