Section 2: Sources of Water Pollution from Marinas and Recreational Boating

Marinas are not reported by states, territories, or tribes to be a major source of nonpoint pollutants that contribute to poor water quality, as are sources such as agriculture and urban areas, though the location of marinas at the water’s edge can lead to their being affected by other pollutant sources. Pollutants from upstream point and nonpoint sources in a watershed might flow to a marina’s waters, adding to any nonpoint pollutants released at the marina itself. Water quality in a marina, therefore, is often a reflection of not only nonpoint source pollutants generated at the marina but also a cumulative load of pollutants from several watershed sources. Awareness of the potential for the generation of nonpoint source pollution at a marina and of how to use management measures and site-specific BMPs to reduce nonpoint source pollution is important to ensuring the best possible water quality in a marina basin. This section of the guidance describes the pollutants that can be generated at a marina and their potential effects on water quality and aquatic life.