Why Clean, Drain, Dry?
Clean, Drain, Dry is an increasingly common phrase that boaters hear. Short and easy to remember, it is a reminder of the three simple and effective steps everyone should take to prevent aquatic invasive species from spreading from one body of water to another. In fact, Clean, Drain, Dry is so important that New York state now requires boaters to take “reasonable precaution” before launching anywhere in the state.
The reasoning behind Clean, Drain, Dry is simple: invasive aquatic plants and animals, like Eurasian watermilfoil and zebra mussel, can easily become attached to anything that enters the water such as boats, motors, trailers, paddles, stand up paddleboards, and personal floatation devices. Aquatic invasive species can also be transported in bilge and ballast water, live wells, and bait buckets.
What is Clean, Drain, Dry?
- Clean: After each trip, inspect your boat, trailer, and anything else that came into contact with water—buoys, anchors, ropes, and so on—for attached animals, plant fragments, mud, and debris. Remove and dispose of anything found.
- Drain: Identify any standing water in boat compartments, bilge tanks, motors, or live wells and drain the water from them.
- Dry: Let your gear and equipment dry completely for at least 48 hours, but ideally five days, before your next trip. Canoes and kayaks can also be dried with towels.
One of the quickest ways to ensure your boat and equipment have undergone the proper Clean, Drain, Dry steps is to stop by one of the free boat wash stations in the Adirondacks. You can find the nearest boat wash station at adkcleanboats.com.
There are also stewards located at many of the popular boat launches throughout the Adirondacks who will be happy to assist you with inspecting your boat and following the Clean, Drain, Dry steps.
You can do even more to protect your favorite Adirondack lake or river by learning to identify and report invasive species using the iMapInvasives app.
