Grey water in port

[TonyR123]

Not really thought about this as I always use the showers in port. But is it frowned upon to use your shower/dishwasher in port?

Dont use my current shower and dont have a dishwasher currently. However new boat I would like to use the showers and the dishwasher. Am sure others in the port must do this no the larger boats, but i have never noticed. So fine to us or not?

Waters in the marina do look pretty clear for a marina where we moor.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Its one of those grey areas On most boats grey water either discharges directly overboard or into a tank which empties automatically anyway. On my existing boat, the galley sink discharges overboard but the dishwasher and all the other sinks/showers/bidets(its an Italian boat!) discharge to a grey water tank which empties itself automatically when its full. I have the option to switch off the grey water pump in port but I never do and occasionally it will empty itself in port and I've never had any complaint

The big no no is black water discharge for obvious reasons but ask yourself what happens to black water on liveaboard or crewed boats which are in port for months? I would say thats more of an issue than grey water

 

[Rgrwynne]

I have an Italian boat which discharges as yours and never had a problem. In port always use on shore facilities as have no black tank anyway, and would have expected liveaboards, or crew to do the same thing.

 

[RupertW]

I have an Italian boat which discharges as yours and never had a problem. In port always use on shore facilities as have no black tank anyway, and would have expected liveaboards, or crew to do the same thing.

We use showers, sink etc. in port or in an anchorage with no obvious problems although we do tend to keep the suds down. Also use the black tanks in port rather than using the onshore facilities when planning to leave within a couple of days. It's only at the beginning of the season that we might be on the boat without taking it out and then we just go ashore.

 

[Seastoke]

What is important is to use eco friendly detergents not to harm fish etc

 

[Wavey]

What is important is to use eco friendly detergents not to harm fish etc

Everything on ours is Ecover except shower gel and shampoo. Mind you that's no different to home really but we're more conscious afloat. All grey water goes over the side and it's never been commented on. Not aware of any marinas that have rules about this.

 

[[164147]]

Its one of those grey areas
The big no no is black water discharge for obvious reasons but ask yourself what happens to black water on liveaboard or crewed boats which are in port for months? I would say thats more of an issue than grey water

Unless you're berthed in Cowes during Cowes Week then it seems no-one cares.

 

[Resolution]

What is important is to use eco friendly detergents not to harm fish etc

And your antifoul leaching off into the water???

 

[BruceK]

And your antifoul leaching off into the water???

These days they seem to be rather eco friendly it must be said.

 

[mil1194]

I KNOW this is a 6yo thread but is this still the general thinking as far as dishwasher/washing machine? Is there an actual definition of 'Eco friendly' tablets or are they self-designated by the tablet maker?

 

[Seastoke]

The Gower is grey

 

[mil1194]

The Gower is grey

Not today!

 

[Seastoke]

Not today!

That can’t be today.

 

[mil1194]

That can’t be today.

Ok - you’ve got me there…….

……it was yesterday.

 

[mil1194]

That can’t be today.

Anyway - back to clothes and saucepans…..

 

[BruceK]

I KNOW this is a 6yo thread but is this still the general thinking as far as dishwasher/washing machine? Is there an actual definition of 'Eco friendly' tablets or are they self-designated by the tablet maker?

all surfactants will kill aquatic life. Eco probably references long lasting toxicity and speed of breakdown but honestly if it takes say 2 days to break down how does that help a fish that will die within 5 minutes? SO I suppose it comes down to how much you can kill, not whether it kills. Thats my take on it at least