pump out system

In 2024, as part of Austin Water’s Lake Water Protection program, the City of Austin installed a new dockside marine pump‐out system at the Walsh Boat Landing (1600 Scenic Dr, Austin, TX 78703). Proper pump usage will prevent marine sanitation device (MSD) waste from entering Lake Austin. The pump is available for both private and commercial boats with an MSD.

Please note the Walsh Landing dock is strictly for boats with an MSD performing a pump-out. Once the pump-out process is completed, boats are expected to immediately leave the dock area.

Boat Pump Safety Tips
boat in water

 

To ensure your safety and longevity of the Walsh Landing Boat Pump, please remember the following important points:

  1. Never put the suction hose into the lake. This could damage the pump.
  2. The water from the attached water hose is non-potable water. Do not drink it and do not use to fill drinking water tanks.
  3. Do not put wipes, even those labeled flushable, into the marine sanitation device. Wipes do not degrade quickly, so they can cause clogs in the boat pump or further along in the City’s sanitary sewer system. For more information, Only Flush Toilet Paper. 
Boat Pump Usage Instructions

Before beginning the pump out at Walsh Landing, ensure you have the following:  

  • A 5-gallon bucket
  • Appropriate camlock fitting.
  • Optional: Spray nozzle.

See step-by-step Pump-Out Instructions below and/or view the Austin Water Walsh Landing Pump-Out Instructional Video.

  1. Before beginning the pump out, fill a 5-gallon bucket with water from the provided hose bib.

    man filling 5 gallon bucket

  2. Remove cap from camlock fitting. The cap will be secured to fitting.

    camlock fitting

  3. Ensure the valve at the end of the hose is in the off position - the handle will be perpendicular to the hose.

    valve turned off

  4. Uncoil enough hose to reach the MSD waste fitting.

    man uncoiling hose

  5. Attach the hose to the MSD waste fitting. Apply enough pressure to ensure the camlock arms are fully engaged.

    hose attached to MSD waste fitting

  6. With the valve in the off position, start the pump by pressing the green button.  

    hand pressing the green button on the pump out system

  7. Open the valve at the end of the hose - the handle will be parallel to the hose.

    connect hose with the valve open

  8. Watch the sight glass. When no more waste is visible, close the valve and remove the hose from the fitting. Optional: Attach a spray nozzle to the provided water hose to flush the MSD system.

    a spray nozzle is flushing the MSD system

  9. With the pump still running, place the hose in the 5-gallon bucket filled with water (step 1) and open the valve. When the bucket is empty, with the valve open, run the pump for an additional 30-seconds.

    man using a 5 gallon bucket to run pump for additional 30 seconds

  10. Turn off the pump by pressing the red button. Although the pump will automatically shut-off after 20 minutes, please ensure you turn it off as soon as you are done using it.

    hand pressing the red off button the pump system

  11. Turn the valve at the end of the hose to the off position and replace the hose on the hose reel. 

    hose neatly replaced on pump out system

  12. Replace the cap on camlock fitting.

    camlock fitting with cap replaced

Boat Pump Fittings

Commercial boats will be equipped with the necessary fittings. Private boat owners and/or those with a portable marine sanitation device (MSD) will need to provide their own appropriate fittings necessary to make a sanitary connection.

Example of a Private Boat Fitting: 

example of a private boat fitting

Boat Pump Frequently Asked Questions 
  • How much does it cost to use the Walsh Landing Boat Pump?
    • Currently there is no cost associated with using the Walsh Landing Boat Pump.
  • What if I am not sure if I turned off the Walsh Landing Boat Pump?
    • Please ensure you turn the boat pump off as soon as you are done using it; however, if you forget, it will automatically shut-off after 20 minutes.
  • Can I put the Walsh Landing Boat Pump’s suction hose into the lake to clean it?
    • No. Putting the suction hose into the lake can damage the pump. Please use the non-potable water from the provided water hose to clean the hose. 
  • Who do I contact if there is a mechanical issue with the Walsh Landing Boat Pump?
    • Please call Austin Water Dispatch at 512-972-1000 to report any problems with the Walsh Landing Boat Pump.
  • How long will it take the Walsh Landing Boat Pump to clean out my marine sanitation device(s)?
    • The pump out time will vary depending on the size of the marine sanitation device(s). The suction rate is approximately 35 GPM. In case it is helpful, attached is a PDF that may better describe the request. There is no firm deadline for this request.

Forms & Resources