Why Pump for the Rivah?
Many miles of the Rappahannock and its tributaries are polluted. Although most people think of factories and toxic chemicals when they hear the word pollution, the most serious and difficult problems which afflict the Rappahannock and nearby the Chesapeake Bay are caused by nutrients. Rather than a few large sources, these nutrients come from run-off and numerous small discharges, including sewage from poorly designed, maintained, and operated septic systems and discharges from boats. Nutrients, especially nitrogen, fertilize microscopic organisms that reduce water clarity and can cause oxygen levels to drop to the detriment of crabs and other living things. Deeper waters in large areas of the Bay are devoid of oxygen in the summer months.

Many creeks and small bays on the Rappahannock and its tributaries are closed to shellfish harvesting because of the presence or risk of bacteriological contamination. Swimmers can suffer a variety of illnesses from exposure to this pollution. Bacteriological contamination can come from septic systems, discharges from vessels, and wildlife.

Septic Users: Pump for the Rivah!
Many owners of septic systems do not realize that these systems must be inspected and pumped out from time to time to assure that they work properly and to avoid costly repairs or replacement. The Virginia Department of Health recommends pumping out every 3-5 years.So, when you Pump for the Rivah, you will be protecting your property values as well as helping the Rivah and the Bay.

Boaters: Pump for the Rivah!
Some boaters are not aware that only vessels with Type I and II Marine Sanitation Devices may discharge in Virginia waters. Unfortunately, the design requirements for these devices were developed before scientists were fully aware of the impact of nutrient pollution and they are not effective at reducing nutrients. So, even legal discharges can be detrimental. Discharging untreated waste from holding tanks in Virginia waters is illegal under Federal and State law. Some boaters think that discharging a holding tank couldnt have a detrimental effect on the Rappahannock but a holding tanks discharge of a weekends waste can introduce an amount of bacteria equivalent to that from the treated waste from a city of 10,000 over the same timeframe. So use your head and pump your holding tank at an approved facility.

For more information, contact us at pump@riverfriends.org