Ansley Sawyer wrote:
Peggie,

Thanks for the information about cleaning water systems on RV's but the
problem with using bleach in the marine environment is that the chlorine is
highly toxic to marine animals. The are peroxide compounds that will do a
fine job cleaning and disinfecting the water systems and are not toxic.

Fwiw, boat and RV fresh water systems are identical, so if you're that
concerned, recommissioning can be done out of the water pre-launch...but
where do you think all the water from an RV or any other source that's
drained onto the ground ends up?

The output from most bilge pumps is far more toxic to marine life than
100 gallons of water that has only about 3 oz of sodium hypochloride in
it as it comes out of the drain and is further diluted as it enters the
water. If you did it daily in the same place, it would be one thing...
but over the course of a season, the amount of municipal water alone
that goes through your sink and shower drains, overboard while washing
the boat etc puts more chlorine into the water than just an annual
recommissioning.

Use whatever method you like to maintain your own system, but your
environmental concerns are unfounded.

--
Peggie
----------
Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987
Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and
Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor"
http://69.20.93.241/store/customer/p...40&cat=&page=1
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/detai...=400&group=327