The Clean Drain Dry program empowers you to help reduce the spread of invasive plants and organisms to BC waters by following the clean, drain, dry procedure on all watercraft and equipment. As individual recreationists, marinas, and stewardship groups, we can all help to reduce the spread of harmful; aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil, Zebra and Quagga mussels.
Boats and other watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, easily and frequently carry invasive species from one body of water to another. These aquatic invaders are entering BC’s beautiful lakes, streams, and wetlands. With jurisdictions across North America struggling with the impacts of aquatic invasive species, we need boaters and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts to take action now and practice Clean Drain Dry.
Make your commitment today and help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species!
ISCBC asks all boaters and outdoor recreation enthusiasts to commit to practicing clean, drain and dry as soon their boat or watercraft is removed from the water:
- CLEAN off all plants, animals and mud from your boat and gear.
Ensure that anything you remove is disposed of onto land.
Do a visual inspection of the watercraft and gear to make sure everything is removed. - DRAIN all water from your boat and gear onto land.
This includes all internal compartments, ballast tanks, live wells, bilges, bait buckets, motors etc.
Pull all plugs—it is illegal to transport plugged watercraft in some provinces and US states. - DRY all parts of your boat and gear completely.
Make sure no water is left standing.
Use a sponge or towel for hard to dry areas.
Learn more
Boaters
Read and learn about Boaters Best Practices and watch this video to learn more about how you can play your part to protect BC and Canada's natural beauty.
Anglers
Read and learn about Anglers Best Practices and watch this video to learn more about how to help protect BC's water bodies.
Paddlers
Read and learn about Paddlers Best Practices and watch this video to learn why even paddlers have a role to play in preventing the spread of invasives.
Learn more about how to protect our waterways from invasive species by reading these factsheets:
- Aquatics Factsheet: Water-based Recreation
- Aquatics Factsheet: Aquariums and Water Gardens
- Aquatics Factsheet: Zebra and Quagga Mussels
Clean Drain Dry Program Background
In 2012, the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia (ISCBC) developed and implemented a provincial Clean Drain Dry (CDD) behaviour change program.