PFAS From Boat Canvas Waterproofing Sprays At Marinas

New findings show waterproofing sprays used on boat canvas may release PFAS into marina runoff, raising concerns for coastal water quality

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - Boat owners rely on waterproofing sprays to protect canvas covers, biminis, and enclosures from sun, salt, and rain, but new research suggests these products may be releasing PFAS into marina environments. Many of these sprays contain fluorinated compounds that help fabric repel water and resist mildew. When applied on docks or near slips, excess spray often drifts into the air or settles on surfaces before washing into the water below. For families already researching a drinking water lawsuit or wondering whether to contact a drinking water cancer lawyer, the idea that routine boat maintenance could affect nearby water sources is alarming. Marinas are often located near estuaries, bays, or coastal groundwater systems that support both recreation and drinking water supplies. As rain falls or boats are rinsed, PFAS residues can wash off treated canvas and flow directly into surrounding waters. Because these sprays are reapplied regularly, especially in sunny or wet climates, the release can happen repeatedly throughout the boating season. Over time, this steady input may contribute to PFAS accumulation in sediments, shellfish beds, and nearby shoreline soils, creating exposure pathways that are difficult to trace back to a single source.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS compounds are extremely persistent and can move easily through water once released into the environment. The agency has noted that consumer-applied waterproofing products are a growing concern because they are often used outdoors where runoff is uncontrolled. Sampling near marinas and boat storage areas has detected PFAS in surface water and sediments consistent with fluorinated fabric treatments. The EPA warns that once PFAS enter aquatic environments, they can bioaccumulate in fish and other organisms, potentially moving up the food chain. At marinas, stormwater systems are often minimal or nonexistent, allowing contaminants to flow directly into open water without filtration. Maintenance activities such as pressure washing boats, cleaning docks, or rinsing canvas can further mobilize PFAS residues and spread them across larger areas. Environmental scientists are increasingly focused on these small but widespread sources, noting that while each application may release only a limited amount, the cumulative effect across hundreds of boats can be significant. These findings have prompted closer examination of marina practices and the chemical composition of commonly used marine maintenance products.

Marinas and boat owners may face growing pressure to rethink how waterproofing products are selected and applied. Manufacturers are beginning to introduce PFAS-free fabric treatments that rely on alternative chemistries to achieve water resistance without long-lasting environmental impacts. Some marinas are considering designated application areas with containment measures to prevent overspray and runoff from reaching the water. Educational efforts aimed at boat owners could also help reduce improper use and encourage safer disposal practices. Regulators may expand monitoring of coastal waters near marinas as part of broader PFAS surveillance programs, particularly in regions where marine waters connect to drinking water intakes or sensitive ecosystems.

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