The Scoop on Poop The Scoop on Poop Almost everyone has heard that it is unsafe to swim in the ocean after a rainstorm, along with reports which indicate that the number one cause of ocean pollution is urban runoff. However, illegal discharge of human sewage from boats also contributes to the high bacterial levels sometimes found in ocean waters. Swimmers, surfers and others can become ill when they swallow or come in contact with polluted water. Untreated sewage can contaminate shellfish beds and make you sick if you eat raw or improperly cooked shellfish.
Untreated sewage can kill fish by taking oxygen from the water when the sewage decays.
However, as a responsible boater, there are simple measures you can take to help keep California's waterways clean and healthy. Use public restrooms onshore before departing. Equip your boat with a sewage treatment device or holding tank for toilet wastes. If you use additives, use products that do not harm aquatic environments and use only the amount indicated by instructions. Never discharge raw sewage into the water.