The control of vessel discharges to the waters of the Sound has been identified as an essential component to avoid pathogen contamination, a key water quality problem in the Sound. Pumpout vessels and stations complement other efforts underway to improve water quality in the Sound including treatment plant upgrades and renovations.

Many boaters find that having the pumpout come to them is the most convenient way to properly handle the sewage collected on their boat. A fleet of pumpout boats has been assembled to provide this service throughout most of Long Island Sound and its harbors. This service is free from Clean Vessel Act funded pumpout boat programs. As a need for this service in additional harbors is seen and a suitable operator for this service is identified you should expect to see additional boats added to the list below.

The pumpout process using a pumpout boat is clean and convenient. The pumping system is completely closed. All the sewage is vacuumed through an on-board pump permanently affixed to the boat deck, and is discharged to a 300 to 350-gallon cargo tank below the deck. The sewage is then discharged to a dockside pumpout station that is tied directly to the municipal sewer line.

To find more information about individual pumpout boats, select the links below.

Soundkeeper Pumpout Boat, Greenwich

Soundkeeper Pumpout Boat, Stamford

Soundkeeper Pumpout Boat, Norwalk

City of Bridgeport Pumpout Boat, Bridgeport

Town of Stratford Pumpout Boat, Stratford, Milford

Town of Branford Pumpout Boat, Branford

Lower Connecticut River Pumpout Boat, Essex

Save the River/Save the Hills Niantic River Pumpout Boat, Niantic (East Lyme, Waterford)

Coastal Environmental Services Pumpout Boat, Mystic

Dodson Pumpout Boat, Stonington

Town of Westerly Pumpout Boat (RI)

Federal Aid Project
funded by your purchase
of fishing equipment
and motor boat fuels

Outdoor Recreation

Content Last Updated on October 12, 2010.