Holding tank rules

[Champagne Murphy]

Thinking of going into the Dutch waterways next year so now seems like the time to think about fitting a holding tank. Space is an issue so;
Are there any laws/rules covering capacity, pump out ability, ar anything else I need to know?

 

[Malabar]

Suggest you talk to Lee Sanitation. They are the acknowledged experts.

 

[sailorman]

Suggest you talk to Lee Sanitation. They are the acknowledged experts.

will they know how many pump out stations are available in Holland.

 

[Cantata]

Presume you appreciate that a holding tank is not compulsory, it's just that you must not pump out black water. Unless you really want to fit a holding tank, then a Porta-Potti type device is worth considering for your Dutch trip.
Sailorman's comment about the number of pump-out stations in the Netherlands is a bit tongue in cheek, I think, as the answer is a very small number...

 

[MoodySabre]

The number of pump outs is slowly increasing. I put a holding tank in and feel happier using the loo here too in marinas.

I used Tel Tanks whose online shop includes details of cust tanks made by them listed by boat type. It is a compromise with space. Mine is only 45 litres which is a bit small but location affects how much water you need to pump each use. It's the water that fills it up!

Not essential but nice to have. Dutch chandlers sell disposable toilet bags that are put in the pan to collect.

 

[Tranona]

There are only laws applicable to new boats, not to existing boats as the law is related to not discharging sewage. So, how you comply is up to you and clearly fitting a holding tank is one of the options if you want to maintain full toilet function when in restricted waterways. If you do want to go down that route then there is good information on the design and construction of holding tank systems from Lee Sanitation or Tek Tanks. Be aware that it is rarely cheap or easy to retrofit a tank and all the pipework, although some designs are easier than others. If you have a popular boat it is quite likely that Tek Tanks have already designed a tank, or you may be able to use a standard size tank which reduces costs significantly.

 

[Burnham Bob]

My Cruising Guide to the Netherlands by Brian Navin says that any Dutch Marina with space for over 50 boats has to have a pump out facility and at the time of publishing there were over 300. Pump outs are free if you spend a night in the Marina it also says. MoodySabre is right - it's the water that fills the tank so we have established a new pumping routine with the Lavac when we are on the holding tank in UK marinas and its too late to walk ashore or its raining! - just enough to clear the bowl although I know that does leave residue in the pipes which encourages limescale growth. Just before emptying though I make sure I have a good pump through.

 

[mjcoon]

... we have established a new pumping routine with the Lavac ...

It's a long time since I used a Lavac. How do you organise a brush-and-flush session?

Mike.