Powerwashing boats helps to preserve waters
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) seeks to find the balance between conservation and recreation. After visiting ODNR, a general issue that was brought up was keeping the waters clean, with one of the causes being unclean boats.
“The new boat wash station uses a system that cleans and reuses water from power washing and prevents harmful materials contained in the wastewater from running off into Lake Erie, such as algae, paint chips, and invasive species like zebra mussels or aquatic plants like hydrilla. The wastewater is then treated with bromide and UV light, so it can be reused, saving water and money" (Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 2021).
Boating is a popular recreational activity at parks, but many people aren’t aware of the effects their boat may have on the water. Every time a boat is used, it picks up materials, especially invasive species, that can be transferred and negatively affect another body of water. The installation of a boat wash station cleans boats to prevent contamination and also educates people on this issue.
“With the completion of the boat wash station, the Ohio Clean Marinas Program hosted two special workshops to educate marina owners across the state about pressure wash water management and other environmental issues. These workshops included presentations on the environmental risks associated with boat bottom washing and hands-on field trips to Geneva State Park, and Huron Lagoon and Holiday Harbor Marina to showcase best practices in action” (Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 2021).
Keeping the waters free from unwanted debris and invasive species is important for a clean and healthy water. A boat powerwash station is one step in the process to keep the waters clean, however many parks do not have this system and people do not know the importance of clean boats. ODNR also discusses the addition of workshops to educate people, but many people still aren’t aware of debris and invasive species on uncleaned boats. Having more education and accessibility to this system is essential to a more sustainable recreation.
References.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources. (2021). New Boat Wash Station at Geneva State Park Helps Protect Lake Erie Waters. Ohiodnr.gov. https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/boat-wash-station-geneva
Rockwell, D. (2019). Invasive zebra mussels on a boat. https://www.krtv.com/news/montana-and-regional-news/invasive-zebra-mussels-found-on-a-boat-in-montana
