{"id":133,"date":"2013-06-17T10:43:18","date_gmt":"2013-06-17T15:43:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/agrilife.org\/highlandbayou\/?page_id=133"},"modified":"2016-04-26T14:08:06","modified_gmt":"2016-04-26T19:08:06","slug":"boating","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/agrilife.org\/highlandbayou\/actions-matter\/boating\/","title":{"rendered":"Boating"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\"connections_txt\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Tips<\/p>\n

Most of the waterways in Texas are either used for drinking water or for contact recreational purposes such as swimming. There are two main ways that boat users can influence the water quality of Texas’ water bodies.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Boat Sewage Discharge<\/li>\n
  2. Oil spills and leaks<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \"dosndonts_txt\"<\/a><\/p>\n

    Do…<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Do look around the waterline for leaks and spills before leaving the dock.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Do check the bilge for oil leaks before draining. If you discover a leak, have it repaired as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Do use restrooms on shore.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Do properly dispose of boat sewage by using a pump-out station.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Do pump out and rinse holding tanks regularly and properly maintain your boat toilet.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Do establish a regular maintenance schedule for your MSD based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u00a0Don’t…<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Don’t discharge untreated sewage anywhere in Texas waterways-it is ILLEGAL.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Don’t go boating without a clean water certificate (for owners of boats with marine sanitation devices)-it is required under Texas law.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Don’t ignore oil spills or leaks, get them repaired right away.<\/span><\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    To learn how to use a pump-out station correctly, please view the video below.<\/h3>\n