Keeping our marinas and our surrounding marine environment clean is a responsibility that we take really seriously. One of the more unglamorous parts of this to address how we boaties treat the contents of our holding tanks for sewage and grey water.

Areas of prohibited discharging

Local bylaws stipulate that discharging untreated waste around the inner Sounds areas is strictly prohibited at all times, and this includes the inner QCS/Totaranui, inner Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere, Endeavour Inlet, and Beatrix-Crail-Clova bays (map screenshot below).

Additionally, for ordinary boaties in the Sounds with no onboard sewage treatment, It is prohibited to discharge sewage:

• closer than 500 metres to the shore
• closer than 1000 metres to a marine farm
• in shallow water (less than 5 metres)
• within 200 metres of marine reserves
• within 500 metres (0.27 nautical miles) of a mataitai reserve.

Pump out facilities are located at the fuel berths at all three marinas

In Waikawa  this is at the end of Jetty 7W

In Picton  it is on Jetty 2

In Havelock in between North Jetty and A Pier.

As there is only one at each marina, please plan for potential waits during peak times and try and plan your pump-out at a quieter time. Boats moored on either side of the main fuel berths can access the pumps.

Pumping out your boat – the right way!

• Remove the cap from the waste fitting on your deck
• Make sure the valve is closed while system is not in operation (see picture of closed valve below)
• Turn pump on. If you wish, you can put on a pair of gloves during the pump out procedure
• Insert blue adapter on the end of hose into holding tank outlet
• Hold the hose with a bit of downward pressure to seal around outlet, open valve slowly to operate suction
• When sewage can no longer be seen through hose sight glass (see picture below), close valve and remove hose from holding tank opening
• If desired, rinse holding tank by filling with water and pumping dry. You may want to rinse your tank a few times until the water passing through the sight glass is clear, rinsing helps loosen hard deposits as well as clear any solids clogging the hose
• After you are done pumping out, make sure pump is turned off
• Coil and hang up hose, Help keep area clean and neat for your fellow boaters
• Replace cap on deck waste fitting

Keep in mind that the pump’s robust suction power means your holding tanks need to be well-constructed and in good repair to handle the suction.

Pump out station

Closed valve

Hose sight glass

Remember, maintaining our marine environment starts with responsible waste management.

By utilising the pump-out facilities provided you’re helping keep our beautiful Sounds environment clean and safe for everyone.

Feel free to reach out to the friendly customer service team in your marinas office, if you need a hand with the equipment.