We know you love your bay, you own it, you want to take care of it, it’s your number one priority; you are ready to change your relationship status to make it official. Okay, maybe that’s a bit much, but we all love San Diego Bay and want to be sure it stays the pristine natural resource it is for generations to come. When you visit, we want you to say to yourself, #ThatsMyBay! And sometimes, it just takes a simple reminder not to take your bay for granted. So the Port of San Diego is here with helpful tips and suggestions on how we can all do our part to keep our bay looking classy, not trashy!
Dump at the Pump!
Captain Colin doesn’t have time for nonsense, but he always has time to Dump at the Pump. That’s because he knows that #SanDiegoBay is home to a number of vessel sewage pump-out stations, many of them absolutely free to use for the public! This veteran sailor isn’t even worried about what time he chooses to dock, because several pump-out stations are open 24/7. Illegal sewage discharges from a vessel could make swimmers sick, harm ocean life and disturb our delicate ecosystem. Be like Captain Colin. Dump at the pump, and own your ship!
Click here to see locations and hours of all vessel sewage pump stations!
Remember, it is illegal to discharge sewage into California waters
Sewage from recreational vessels contains bacteria and other harmful substances that can make people sick.
Always store vessel sewage in holding tanks on board your vessel until you are able to dispose of it at a dedicated pump-out station
Be sure to keep the "Y" valve properly secured in a closed position to prevent accidental discharges (use a padlock or wire tie).
Take advantage of onshore restrooms whenever docked.
Types of pollutants present in sewage discharge may include:
- bacteria- can cause illness in people and sealife
- toxins - pollute waters and poison our fishies
- chemicals - often found in sewage that can disrupt growth, reproduction, development and health for people and fishies
- pathogens - that can make people and wildlife sick
- nutrients - too many can cause an overgrowth of algae which can deplete oxygen, block light, and harm sealife
