Access to freshwater lakes and rivers is often taken for granted when
enjoying water sports and activities. Boaters are often aware of the
need for safety equipment, such as lifejackets, ropes and flares.
Yet many may not think about preventing environmental contamination
that could result from water activities. Boating and maintenance
activities can harm surface waters if not done properly. If our lakes
and rivers become polluted, recreational activities will be affected by
algae blooms, fish kills, or wildlife habitat deterioration.
Here are some tips to prevent pollution from entering surface water:
- Always pour gasoline and oil carefully from spouted containers
into tanks on boats to reduce the chances of drips and over-filling
and spilling into the water.
- Use phosphate-free and biodegradable cleaning chemicals on boats.
Clean boats on land before the boating season to reduce chemical
contamination of surface water.
- When resurfacing boat hulls, always choose the least toxic paints
and sealers. Sand with tools that contain vacuuming tubes to reduce
particles entering the water.
- Always dispose of trash in a covered container so boat movement
and winds do not cause trash to end up in the water.
- Recycle used oil and other engine fluids.
- Clean fish away from the water edge. Dispose of fish waste in
trash containers.
Most marinas have fluid recycling on site. Dispose of toxic chemicals
at Household Hazardous Waste Collection facilities. The Genesee County
Hazardous Waste Consortium partners with other agencies to sponsor two
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days annually.
For more information about keeping
our surface waters clean during recreational activities, call the
Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3603.
