Heading out on the water this summer? Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by Cleaning, Draining, and Drying your watercraft and gear before using it in a new water body. It’s one of the best ways to protect your waters from invasive species—and it’s NY state law!
When you pull your boat out of the water:
• Clean mud, plants, and animals off your watercraft and other equipment and dispose of them in the trash.
• Drain water-holding compartments like ballast tanks, live wells, and bilge areas.
• Dry everything for 5-7 days in warm, dry conditions. If drying isn’t possible, visit a decontamination station and disinfect boats and equipment with hot water at 140 degrees F for 30 seconds.
