In an effort to reduce copper levels in Newport Bay, a regional water-quality agency is looking to limit the type of paint that boaters can use on their vessels.
According to documents from the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, which sets rules for Newport Beach, commercial and recreational boats release 36,000 pounds of copper into Newport's waterways each year.
Historically, paints containing lead, zinc and, more recently, copper have been used to prevent marine life from sticking to and causing damage to the hulls of boats.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found during a 2002 study that Newport Bay water contained copper concentrations exceeding federal standards.