Toilet drains on pleasure craft must soon be sealed to avoid waste dumping

Recreational boat owners must seal their toilet drain pipe to prevent them from discharging toilet water directly into surface water. To this end, a change decision will be taken, Minister Mark Harbers (Infrastructure and Water Management) told the Tweede Kamer.

Since 2009 it has been forbidden to use a toilet that discharges untreated water directly, as this is bad for the water quality and the health of water sports enthusiasts. But in practice this still happens en masse. Because the discharge takes place under water and can therefore hardly be controlled, says Harbers. He believes the ban can be properly enforced if toilet drains are plugged.

In the case of sports boats, the toilet in the reception facilities of the marinas must be pumped out. In practice, however, this is rarely the case. Owners can also have a cleaning system on board if approved. The whole of the Tweede Kamer, with the exception of the VVD, has been pushing for the label to be included in legislation in 2018.

The seal requirement will come into force in 2026 at the earliest, according to the notice. This gives involved boat owners time to purchase alternatives to the toilet. The ministry can also prepare the administration and production of the seals in good time.

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