You might wonder if you can dump your black water on public lands if you’re new to RVing or boondocking. In an RV, black water is a given. It must be disposed of, but where, how, and under what conditions?
Fortunately, sanitary solutions are accessible for solving this offensive issue without damaging the surrounding area, as seen in most campgrounds. However, what do you do if you have a camping experience in the middle of nowhere and you need to empty your holding tanks?
You may wonder if you can dump RV black water on the ground? If there is no one around, why not? For one, you can damage plants where you dump your water, and in time, tent campers may pitch in the same area. Even if you are free camping, pitching your tent on solid waste isn’t healthy or much fun.
In our guide, you can learn more about black water dumping and why you’ll be illegally dumping waste if you do. By the end, you’ll find all the places where to dump black water, even if it means dumping black water tank at home rather than ruining the State Parks surroundings and environment that other RV users can campers can enjoy. (Read The Real Cost of RVing)
Can You Dump RV Black Water On The Ground?
The waste goes into your black water tank when you flush the toilet. Your home’s septic or sewer system takes care of the dirty stuff for you, but your RV will need some help to get rid of its load. There are often “full hookups” on RV parks and campgrounds, allowing you to keep a connection to the septic system while your vehicle is parked there.
You can dump your load daily at RV parks if you desire, as there’s no need to disassemble the RV connections and drive it to the nearest dump station. But keep your black water tank closed even when you are linked to these ports. If not, all the liquids would continuously drain out while all the solids would remain inside.
This creates a foul mess that will be challenging to clean up, and you’ll notice a black tank’s stench if it is not treated.
Why Dumping Black Water In RV Travel Is Illegal?
Blackwater is untreated sewage, which is a biohazard. An entire area, including the soil and groundwater sources, can be contaminated by raw sewage. It poses a threat to human, animal, and plant life. In addition, blackwater is contaminated with harmful microorganisms, including coliform and E. coli.
Also, contamination can spread. Black water smells awful and is also a harmful biohazard. A bearded, slender Caucasian man surveys the wide-open desert with mountains in the distance.
Yes, you could potentially go to jail. However, depending on local legislation, there may be different repercussions for unlawfully dumping black water. Dumping human waste in areas such as Los Angeles could lead to a hefty fine and possible jail time.
Likewise, if you think you can dump a few gallons of RV grey water and be safe? The water may not be as toxic, yet many things can harm plants and the surrounding areas. It is rare it would be dumping great water in such a small amount. RVs come with multi-gallon tanks to make the RV lifestyle more comfortable.
How Long Can You Wait To Dump Black Water?
You should empty your black water tank weekly, or when it’s 2/3 full or at the end of every camping trip if you are not on the road that much. In addition, adding some water and a holding tank cleaning solution prevents smells. (Read 5 Best Camping and RV Podcast to Listen To)
Camping with black water is inconvenient, yet it doesn’t need to ruin your camping experience. The number of RVs rises, so now more campgrounds and rest stops offer black water dumping facilities. Pulling into a rest stop for your lunch and being able to wash the dishes and use the bathroom without worry can lighten your load.
Basics for Dumping Black Water Tank on Ground
The black water tank collects sediments and wastewater, and RV-specific toilet paper. The RV plumbing system is sensitive, and if you don’t use degradable and clog-free products, things can get messy fast. RVers must learn about waste disposal.
Managing a black tank may seem frightening. However, knowing the appropriate methods makes it easy. Dumping it wrong can be scary. Avoid dumping it in the ground or sewage.
Also, avoid national forests and parks to dump rubbish. Usually, it’s illegal. Sometimes it’s allowed. You can dump it in a city sewer hookup suited for it. Then, close the valves till it’s full.
What You Need For Proper Dumping.
- First, avoid contact with human feces. Disposable gloves are essential.
- A hose is needed, and make sure not to use your garden hose from home or any hose you use for water on your RV.
- After dumping, the area must be disinfected. Bring wipes, spray, and paper towels. Finally, you’ll need a bag or pail to keep the RV waste hose.
- First, drive to the dump station.
- Attach RV elbow. Unpack the sewer hose and your RV dump valve.
- Attach the dump-hole end and open the valve to start the dumping procedure.
- After emptying the black tank, run some water. This helps clean all the raw sewage from your black tank.
- Close the black tank’s valve. Then open the grey tank valve and start dumping grey water to flush all the waste from your black tank.
- Rerun water for flushing, and let your grey water valve and hose rest on the ground. Then, rinse the rest of the hose with a nearby water spigot.
- Finally, dump fluid into the dumping station hole. Put it back in its container. Sanitize your RV dumping valve.
- Now, you can carry on your RV lifestyle.
Can You Empty Grey Water On The Ground?
To dump gray water from RVs onto the ground is a contentious issue. There are very few situations (BLM lands) where it is technically legal to dump gray water, but even in these cases, it is not encouraged.
RV owners can dump gray water on the ground in some BLM land management regions. However, only water from your shower or dishes is here, so blackwater shouldn’t cause too much of an issue.
However, it’s not a smart idea to do it even on some BLM properties where it’s technically permissible. Dumping gray water will leave a bad smell, food particles, and detergent residue.
The rapid flow of water erodes delicate ecosystems, and soaps kill helpful bacteria, plant, and animal life. Small food fragments draw scavengers and animals, which could make them sick or associate humans with food. (Read Full Time Family RV Living Tips)
Bureau of Land Management
Out of six land management agencies, it is only the BLM that does not prohibit you from dumping gray water (wash water) on the ground. They call it “wash water” to describe the kinds of gray water excepted.
U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service has rules which state:
- Having or leaving trash, debris, or litter in an open or unclean area.
- Placing anything that does or might pollute a stream, lake, or other water in or close to one.
- Failing to remove all trash from the site or area, put it in receptacles, or place it in locations designated for that purpose. Garbage includes paper, cans, bottles, sewage, wastewater, and rubbish.
- Gray water (wash water) dumping on the ground is forbidden by the last rule.
National Park Service
According to the National Park Service’s regulations, the following is not permitted:
- Putting trash somewhere other than a trash can.
- Draining waste out of a trailer or another vehicle if facilities aren’t set up for that purpose.
- Contaminating or contaminating water sources in the park.
- The removal of human waste from established regions, unless done so in facilities or at specific sites.
- Unless otherwise stated, it is against the law to dispose of human waste within 100 feet of a water source, the high water mark of a body of water, a campsite, or within sight of a trail in undeveloped regions.
How Do You Dispose Of A Black Water Tank?
Whether you dump gray water tank at a station or home, your sewer hose must reach the septic drain hole. Never use a drinking water hose to clean your black tank’s external rinse port.
Open your RV’s black tank valve after connecting the hose to the septic system. Always drain the black tank before dumping gray water. Gray water flushes out your flexible sewer hose if black water leaves pollutants or sediments.
- Never add chemicals if you pour your black water tank into your septic system.
- Cleaning agents can affect the beneficial bacteria in your home septic system that break down sediments.
- Even if your sewage empties into the city sewer, beneficial bacteria must be present.
- Disrupting this equilibrium could cause a system imbalance and solid waste buildup in your home septic tank.
- Dump your black water and let the bacteria fairies work.
Dump Station Special Rules
If you dump at a dump station, there is typically a minimal charge if it’s not included in your camping rates. While this need not be a deterrent, it’s helpful to know these things ahead of time to avoid surprises. When using an RV park dump station, follow these rules.
- At a dump station, just your tanks’ contents are allowed. This prevents the station’s larger system from clogging.
- You must tidy up your spills and rubbish.
- Quickly dump your tanks safely. Other RV users need to dump, too.
So, what if your sensors indicate that your black water tanks are full when you are comfortably tucked away in your camping area with five days of vacation left? You don’t want to have to start the process of setting up camp all over again after breaking it up to go to the dump station.
Enter the portable waste tank for RVs. Occasionally known as a blue boy or honey wagon. These enable tank emptying without requiring you to move your RV. The portable tank is subsequently moved to the dump facility to be emptied.
