BOATING: Clean Vessels, Clean Water
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is more than just a recreational destination. It is a sanctuary of historical, cultural, and natural resources-- and home to 2.7 million New Yorkers.
 
Take these steps when boating to protect our nationally-significant heritage:
 

• Don’t dump waste or trash into the canal
  or along the Canalway Trail.
  Use recycling and trash receptacles when visiting the Canalway Corridor. “Carry in – carry out” is the rule for most sections of the waterway and trail.

• Discharge all sanitary waste at onshore pumpout facilities.
  The canal system is a designated No Discharge Zone. Discharge of sewage, whether treated or untreated, is completely prohibited. Use a marine pumpout facility to discharge waste from onboard toilets (Marine Sanitation Devices).

• Clean your vessel properly.
  Clean boat bottoms ashore over hard surfaces or on a tarp, where paint chips and other debris can be contained and disposed of properly. Use non-toxic, phosphate-free biodegradable cleaners.

• Prevent the spread of invasive species.
  The canal system provides a waterway link to the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, Lake Champlain, and Hudson River. Prevent unwelcome hitchhikers from traveling on your boat! Be sure to clean your boat and drain the bilge, live well, and engine cooling system before moving it from one water body to another to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as zebra mussels, water milfoil, and water chestnuts.