Septic Education

Vessel Pump Out

The Vessel Pump Out Program is a cooperative effort between the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), SMLA, and the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission. There is NO COST to boaters for this service.

The Program operates each weekend during an 18-week season from May through September.

Additionally, many local marinas on the lake have pump-out facilities on the lake to accommodate recreational boater waste.

Smith Mountain Lake is a no discharge zone!

It is illegal to discharge untreated sewage from vessels or boats in all Virginia waters. It is also illegal to discharge any treated waste from vessels equipped with Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs). U.S. Coast Guard regulations require all vessels to disable the MSD discharge capability while operating in waters designated as a federally-designated no discharge cone (NDZ).

Vessel Pump Out VPOP 1

Vessel Pump Out Program 2025 Results

The Vessel Pump Out Program (VPOP) pumped 2000 gallons of effluent from vessels at Smith Mountain Lake in 2025. The program began on June 20 and finished on September 13. Anyone interested in a part-time summer job supporting this important…
Vessel Pump Out VPOP 2

Vessel Pump Out Program Update

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The free vessel septic system pump out program pumped more than 2000 gallons of waste in 2025 and more than 54,794 gallons in the past ten years. This effort helps to keep the lake clean and safe! The Vessel Pump Out Program (VPOP) is a joint…

Franklin and Bedford Counties Adopt Mandatory Septic Pump Out Programs

Franklin and Bedford Counties have implemented mandatory septic pump programs to assure that the lake remains clean. Both counties now require homeowners with a septic system located within 500 feet of the lake shoreline to pump their septic…

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