Boaters
The Ross Barnett Reservoir, in addition to its use as a water supply source, is used extensively for recreation- primarily boating, fishing, and water-skiing. While we're having fun on the water, we need to be mindful that our actions can have an impact on the Reservoir.
Follow these tips to make your time on the Reservoir good clean fun.
Keep Waste on Board
Human waste contributes to pollution that harms the health of the Reservoir and its rivers. Keep waste in a portable toilet or holding tank, and only dispose of it at an approved disposal facility. Encourage your marina owner to maintain an adequate pump-out facility, if one is not available.
Maintain Your Engine and Prevent Fuel Spills
Engine exhaust and spilled or leaking fuel oil can be harmful or fatal to the water quality of the Reservoir. Prevent fuel spills by using a funnel and not “topping off” when filling your tank.
Observe Wake Laws
Wakes from boats and personal watercraft can erode shorelines and stir up bottom sediments affecting aquatic plants that grow in shallow waters. Boaters should observe no-wake zones and speed limits.
Stash Your Trash
Litter from recreational boaters adds to a growing problem of too much trash in the water. Stow used bags, bottles, fishing lines and other trash in a plastic bag to throw away or recycle when you get back on land.
Properly Dispose of Chemicals
When using paint, cleaners and antifouling agents on your boat, use extreme caution and properly dispose of them. Used oil can be dropped off at oil collection facilities.
Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
Never dump your bait or aquarium fish into a storm drain, stream, lake, creek, river or the Reservoir. Also, to avoid the spread of aquatic invasive species, clean your boat hull before moving it to another body of water.
