New Green Guide on How to Install a Holding Tank

Your questions answered

If you have ever considered retrofitting a holding tank but were unsure of where to start, take a look at a new guide from The Green Blue. 

The Green Guide to Holding Tank Installation provides advice on the most common questions you might be struggling with, such as the best construction material to choose as well as how to position the tank not forgetting the obvious of making sure that the tank will actually fit through the companionway or hatch of your boat to begin with! The Guide also features a host of top tips on how to prevent system blockages and holding tank pong! 

The guide was developed as part of the Love Where You Sail initiative a joint awareness raising project between The Green Blue, the Environment Agency and a number of harbours and marinas in the Solent area to promote responsible boat discharge of blackwater.

In concentrated amounts and in poor flushing areas, blackwater from boats can cause a number of problems, including gastroenteritis from contaminated shellfish, and toxicity for marine life from the nitrogen and phosphorus in human waste and chemicals in toilet disinfectants and deodorants. Love Where You Sail has promoted the range of disposal options available to boaters, from only emptying the heads when as far offshore as possible to using a holding tank and emptying at a pump out facility. Surveys have shown however that many boats do not have holdings tanks but do have the space to fit one and interest is growing in this area. 

Jane Swan, The Green Blue Project Manager, explained: Having a holding tank on your boat enables you and your crew to enjoy your time on the water knowing that you are comfortable, responsible and compliant with relevant, local legislation. 

Environmental initiatives have never been so easy to implement and we hope that our new guide will answer the common questions if you're thinking of installing a holding tank, whether you choose to self-install or find a company to do it for you.

To obtain a printed copy of the guide email your name and address to info@thegreenblue.org.uk or to download your free copy visit Green Guide to Holding Tank Installation.

The Guide is also available as an RYA e-book. To access the e-books, download the free RYA Books app from iTunes and touch the "Catalogues & Brochures" to find the publication.

For more information about The Green Blue.