Boat sewage laws and regulations
Federal and state laws and programs
Help keep Washington waters clean: learn the laws and regulations about the different types of sanitation devices.
Puget Sound is now a no-discharge zone for vessel sewage
The Washington State Department of Ecology has established a No Discharge Zone (NDZ) for Puget Sound and certain adjoining waters. An NDZ is a body of water where boats may not release sewage, whether treated or not. The NDZ will help protect public health, water quality, and sensitive resources.
Chapter 173-228 WAC was adopted on April 9, 2018 after a five year public process and EPA approval. The rule has been effective since May 10, 2018. However, certain commercial vessels have a five-year delay before the rule begins. There is no change for graywater discharges. For more information see the Department of Ecology’s No Discharge Zone Page.
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Map of the No Discharge Zone
The No Discharge Zone includes all Washington marine waters east of New Dungeness Light, at the east end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, plus Lake Washington, Lake Union, and the waters that connect them to Puget Sound.