It's the Law: On the Water
Discharge of Waste
It is unlawful to place, leave, or discharge waste or waste containers into or near any Wisconsin waters.
- Every vessel with an installed toilet must have an operable marine sanitation device (MSD).
- All installed marine sanitation devices must be U.S. Coast Guard–certified and working properly.
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.
Discharge of Trash
It is illegal to dump refuse, garbage, or plastics into any state or federally controlled waters.
- You must store trash in a container while 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 prior to disposing of the oil waste at an approved facility.
- If boating on federally controlled waters and your vessel is 26 feet or longer, you must display a 5 x 8-inch placard made of durable material, fixed in a conspicuous place in the machinery spaces or at the bilge pump control station, stating the Federal Water Pollution Control Act’s law.
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Introducing non-native species into Wisconsin waters can upset the balance of the ecosystem. Aquatic nuisance species, such as zebra mussels, Eurasian milfoil, and hydrilla, are 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.
Wisconsin law prohibits launching a vessel, a trailer, or any boating equipment if there are any aquatic plants or zebra mussels attached.
To help prevent spreading aquatic nuisance species:
- Inspect your vessel and trailer, and remove any plants and animals you see before leaving the area. Be sure to check the locations labeled below.
- Drain water from your outboard or lower unit, live well, and bilge on land before leaving the area.
- Dispose of your bait properly on land. Never release live bait into a body of water or release aquatic animals from one body of water into another.
- Destroy any remaining nuisance species by:
- Rinsing your vessel and equipment with hot water (at least 104° Fahrenheit) especially if moored for more than a day or …
- Air drying your vessel and equipment for at least five days.
- If you think you have found a zebra mussel, save it and contact your nearest Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources office.
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