It's the Law: On the Water
Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal
Discharge of Trash
- It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage, or plastics into any state or federally controlled waters. Store trash in a container on board, and place it in a proper receptacle on shore.
- If boating on federally controlled waters and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a Garbage Disposal Placard that is at least 4 x 9 inches and notifies passengers and crew about discharge restrictions.
Discharge of Oil and Other
Hazardous Substances
 You are not allowed to discharge oil or hazardous substances into the water. - You are not allowed to dump oil into the bilge of the vessel without means for proper disposal.
- You must dispose of oil waste at an approved reception facility. On recreational vessels, a bucket or bailer is adequate for temporary storage.
- If boating on federally controlled waters and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a 5 x 8-inch placard near the bilge pump switch stating the Federal Water Pollution Control Act’s law.
Discharge of Sewage and Waste
 If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet facilities, it must have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD) on board.
- Vessels 65 feet long or less may use a Type I, II, or III MSD.
- Vessels over 65 feet long must install a Type II or III MSD.
All installed devices must be U.S. Coast Guard–certified.
Types of MSDs
There are three types of MSDs.
- Types I and II MSDs are usually found on large vessels. Waste is treated with special chemicals to kill bacteria before the waste is discharged. Types I and II MSDs with “Y” valves that would direct the waste overboard must be secured so that the valve cannot be opened. This can be done by placing a lock or non-reusable seal on the “Y” valve or by taking the handle off the “Y” valve in a closed position.
- Type III MSDs provide no treatment and are either holding tanks or portable toilets. Collected waste should be taken ashore and disposed of in a pump-out station or onshore toilet.
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Introducing non-native species into Iowa
waters can upset the balance of the ecosystem,  thereby harming the environment.
Aquatic nuisance species, such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, milfoil, and hydrilla, most often spread between waterways by hitching a ride on vessels and trailers. When transplanted into new waters, these organisms proliferate, displacing native species and damaging the water resource.
In Iowa, it is illegal to possess, introduce, purchase, sell, or transport aquatic nuisance species. It also is illegal to operate a vessel in a marked aquatic nuisance species infestation area. A person violating any of these regulations is subject to a $500 fine.
To help protect Iowa waters:
- Inspect your boat, trailer, and equipment and remove any visible plants, animals, or mud before leaving the area.
- Drain the water from your boat, motor, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the area.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash. Never release fish, animals, or plants into a body of water unless they came from that body of water.
- Rinse or dry your boat, trailer, and fishing equipment to remove or kill species that were not visible when you left a body of water. Before transporting to another body of water, rinse your vessel with high pressure and/or hot (104° F) water or air-dry it for at least five days.
- Learn to identify aquatic nuisance species, and report any suspected sightings to the nearest DNR fisheries station.
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