BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada
Module 04 - Safe Boat Operation
Black Water
Raw, untreated sewage is called ‘black water’. All boats fitted with a marine toilet must be equipped with a holding tank where black water can be stored until it can be disposed of at an approved pump-out station.
Allowing black water to escape into Canada’s waterways is against the law. Serious bacterial infections can occur amongst swimmers, and black water has a negative effect on our environment. Dual systems with ‘Y’ valves (which allow waste to be dispelled from the boat) are illegal and must be retrofitted. Portable toilets are legal only if they are securely fastened to the craft and have a permanent fixture enabling them to be emptied at an approved facility. If you’re planning an extended trip, you should plan to use onshore facilities wherever possible.
