California is home to over 1,100 miles of coastline and an extensive network of navigable rivers and lakes, making it one of the most active boating regions in the country. With so many recreational vessels on the water, responsible boating practices are crucial to protecting marine ecosystems and maintaining clean waterways. One of the biggest environmental concerns among boaters is the proper disposal of sewage, which, if mismanaged, can introduce harmful pollutants into lakes, rivers, and the ocean.
Enter Pumpout Nav, a mobile application designed to help boaters locate the nearest sewage pumpout stations, dump stations, and floating restrooms in real-time. Available for both iOS and Android, this free app is transforming the way boaters manage waste, making it easier than ever to protect water quality and comply with environmental regulations.
With tens of thousands of boats operating in California’s waterways, even a small fraction of improper waste disposal can have serious environmental consequences. Human waste introduces bacteria, viruses, and nutrients into the water, which can lead to:
- Harmful algae blooms, reducing oxygen levels and endangering marine life.
- Increased bacterial contamination, making the water unsafe for swimming, fishing, and shellfish harvesting.
- A decline in water quality, affecting not just marine ecosystems but also drinking water sources and public health.
Pumpout stations are a critical part of responsible boating, ensuring that sewage is safely removed and treated rather than being discharged into sensitive environments. The Pumpout Nav app provides a simple, reliable solution to ensure that boaters can easily locate operational pumpout facilities whenever needed.
The Pumpout Nav app is boater-friendly, intuitive, and highly functional. It allows users to:
✅ Find the nearest pumpout stations via a map or list view. The app automatically displays the closest facilities to your location, helping you plan ahead or locate a pumpout station while on the water.
✅ Check the status of pumpout stations before arrival. Green markers indicate that the station is operational, providing peace of mind that a facility is in working order.
✅ Report issues instantly. If a pumpout station isn’t working properly, users can report problems in real-time by selecting from a set of icons, including:
- No power
- Low vacuum
- Leaking
- Broken parts
- No access
Users can also upload photos and write a brief description of the issue, helping marina operators quickly address problems and maintain functional facilities.
✅ Access marina and pumpout details. The app provides pumpout costs, hours of operation, and precise marina locations, ensuring boaters have all the information they need before docking.
✅ Get educational resources. Boaters can access guidelines on why and how to properly use pumpout stations, reinforcing responsible boating practices.
✅ Help marinas track pumpout usage. Marina operators benefit from valuable usage data, allowing them to monitor demand, address maintenance needs, and improve service reliability.
With over 200 boating facilities and 240 pumpout stations already listed in the app — and growing — Pumpout Nav is proving to be an essential tool for boaters who want to keep the water clean and avoid unnecessary pollution.
The Pumpout Nav app was initially developed by California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Program in collaboration with the San Francisco Estuary Partnership and The Bay Foundation. The project was funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which supports initiatives that improve recreational boating safety and infrastructure.
While originally designed for California boaters, the app has been so effective that it has now expanded to other states, including:
- Oregon
- Washington
- Florida
- Rhode Island
- Lake Champlain region (New York, Vermont, and Quebec)
With increasing adoption, other states and organizations are also eager to join the network, ensuring that more boaters across the country have access to reliable pumpout information.
While many boaters are conscious of environmental impact, some may overlook the necessity of pumpout stations or assume that small amounts of waste won’t make a difference. The reality is that even one improperly emptied holding tank can contribute to pollution, particularly in shallow waters, marinas, or enclosed bays where contaminants don’t disperse as easily.
Using designated pumpout stations is the best practice for responsible boating. Not only does it protect marine life and water quality, but it also helps boaters comply with regulations. In California, discharging untreated sewage into state waters is illegal, and enforcement agencies are increasingly monitoring compliance through spot checks and patrols.
The Pumpout Nav app is an invaluable resource in this effort. By giving boaters instant access to pumpout locations and real-time facility updates, the app eliminates the guesswork and ensures that proper waste disposal remains a seamless part of boating culture.
With ongoing advancements in technology, apps like Pumpout Nav are changing the way boaters interact with their environment. What was once an inconvenient or overlooked task is now quick, simple, and easily integrated into a boating routine.
The app serves as an educational tool, a reporting platform, and a community resource, helping both individual boaters and marina operators work together to keep waterways clean. By bridging the gap between boaters and infrastructure, Pumpout Nav is redefining what it means to be a responsible and informed boater.
Download the Free Pumpout Nav App:
For boaters who want to protect California’s waters while enjoying their time on the water, Pumpout Nav is a must-have tool. The app is available for free download on:
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
By using the Pumpout Nav app, boaters ensure cleaner waterways, healthier ecosystems, and a better experience for everyone on the water.
The next time you need to find a pumpout station — don’t guess, just check the app. For more information, visit dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29601&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-S-BhD2ARIsALssG0aIM-ADh1uR2kpmvTgj-U1pmw8M_zW4RFbfTy5KoGGcMFJSqbItbEUaAnUqEALw_wcB.
