by Ozero Solutions | 12 December, 2025 | Blogue
Before installing a washing station, it is essential to evaluate the site from all angles: access to water, traffic space, visibility, municipal restrictions. Choosing a good location promotes best practices in managing aquatic invasive species (AIS) and improves the site's efficiency.
This article aims to facilitate the planning of a washing station, anticipate the most common pitfalls, and lay the groundwork for a functional, sustainable site that is adapted to its location.
A good location does more than just host a station: it directly influences the smooth running of operations and the reduction of risks associated with aquatic invasive species (AIS). In this sense, a good location is an awareness-raising tool in itself.
1. Smooth washing process
A well-located site allows for natural traffic flow: arrival at the site, washing, then launching. The more intuitive the route, the less guidance is needed on site. Thus, a good location makes the Clean–Drain–Dry actions logical and easy to follow.
2. Safety and traffic flow
A poorly located site can lead to difficult maneuvers, unexpected waiting areas, or crossing against traffic. The location must allow for both good visibility and easy access for vehicles, trailers, and pedestrians.
3. Adopting the Clean-Drain-Dry Method
The more visible and accessible a station is, the more boaters will use it.
A well-chosen site:
• encourages user engagement,
• reduces feelings of inconvenience,
• promotes thorough and rigorous cleaning.
Several factors come into play when choosing or developing a site. Here are the essentials:
Distance from the water: A minimum distance of about 30 metres is recommended, when possible.
Access to water: Possible sources vary depending on the municipality:
• municipal network,
• wells,
• water reserves,
• alternative solutions.
The important thing is to ensure a stable supply, even during peak summer periods.
Access to electricity: A direct connection to the grid simplifies operations. For sites where this is not available, there are off-grid solutions, but these require planning tailored to the expected volume of use.
Site dimensions: An efficient site must allow vehicles to enter and exit without complex maneuvers. The space must be designed to avoid congestion, in particular by avoiding dead ends and allowing vehicles to make a complete 360° turn without unhitching their trailers. Good flow reduces waiting times, confusion, and risks.
A natural filtration pad must be set up where boats will be washed. This allows for the filtration of AIS that may fall off the boat during washing and ensures that they do not return to a nearby watercourse.
Even when a site seems ideal, certain conditions may alter implementation priorities.
Residential proximity: High traffic can cause noise and congestion. A slightly off-center location may improve coexistence.
Flood zones and local regulations: Some areas require additional approvals or prohibit permanent developments. It is therefore preferable to anticipate these rather than revise plans during the project.
Restricted or multifunctional spaces: Shared areas (ramps, parks, parking lots) can be effective, but require better management. When there are several boat launching ramps for the same body of water, centralizing the station protects multiple access points. However, this solution requires a greater investment in awareness and education for boaters.
Some municipalities have successfully implemented effective sites by:
• stabilizing slopes,
• using alternative water sources,
• optimizing with off-grid solutions,
• reorganizing traffic rather than the available space.
Each situation requires a specific approach. At Ozero, free support is offered to find configurations adapted to the realities on the ground, without imposing a single solution.