Today on Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant: What’s the Y-Valve? 

Most boats with an installed toilet will have a y-valve which directs the waste to either a holding tank for storage or overboard into the water.  

If you’re boating on waters where overboard discharge is illegal, make sure the Y-valve is closed and secured using a non-releasable zip-tie, a padlock, or by removing the y-valve handle. Not properly securing the Y-valve is illegal, so make sure you know your system and operate it properly.  

To find a public pumpout, you can download the Pumpout Nav app on Google Play or in the App Store.  

For more information about this and other coastal topics, contact your county extension office or visit Florida Sea Grant at flseagrant.org.

Florida Sea Grant, in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, develops tools and resources that empower the boating community to properly dispose of waste and keep our water clean.