Yes. In 1988, the Avalon Harbor, California implemented a programme to prevent swimming beach closures due to bacterial pollution. A part of the programme was to promote holding tanks and pump-out stations and any boat caught discharging sewage was fined and banned from returning to the harbour. Due to the no-discharge programme, harbour water was improved and boats excluded as a potential cause of bacterial pollution.
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A boat violating the regulations - immediately detected by the dye.
Photo courtesy of Audrey Warren, FWC. |
The Avalon Harbor campaign uses a very effective dye tablet enforcement program. By using a non-toxic dye marker any discharge of sewage is readily detected. In 2007, officers from The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) started to use this tool to check onboard systems on boats coming into Florida.
Ultimately – the most important result will be improved water quality that will give you and your family a better boating experience.