Just like everything else, water needs to be brought on board a narrowboat. but without a regular supply of clean water, i wouldn't last long out on the canal.. The vast majority of narrowboats would have difficulty in finding the space to install a grey water tank of sufficient capacity so i doubt any such legislation could or would be made retrospective. to try to set your mind at rest over pollution from grey water.. The various reports from interested organisations about grey water suggest that the present arrangements are acceptable, and that the contribution to pollution of our waters by grey water from boats is not significant..
Grey water tanks are designed to collect waste water from showers, sinks, air conditioners and washing machines. some boats have a grey water tank for the shower only and is known as sump tank.. I recall reading an article some years ago i think in canal boat that you can't even discharge grey water/washing up/shower water in to french rivers, it has to be held on board and pumped out. i sure it came up with regard to the couple taking their n/b to france.. Traditionally narrowboat water tanks are installed in the bow of the boat and are an integral part of the structure. they are painted with a bitumen type paint, similar to that used for blacking the hull and needs to be re-painted every 3-5 years..
