To protect the quality of water entering nearby ponds, rivers and streams, do NOT discharge pool or spa water into our storm sewer system!
Chlorine and other chemicals in pool and spa water can be hazardous to humans and deadly for freshwater aquatic life. Follow these tips when it’s time to empty your pool or spa:
- Don’t drain pool and spa water into the street, gutter, intakes, storm drains or waterways.
- Draining pool and spa water to a storm sewer system or waterways may be considered an illicit discharge and subject to penalties in certain situations per Iowa DNR and U.S. EPA regulations.
- Pool and spa water can be discharged to the sanitary sewer system if done per City requirements and guidelines.
- If unable to drain to the sanitary sewer, before draining a pool or spa, let the water sit for at least seven days without adding salt, chlorine or other chemicals.
- If water is drained on the ground, chlorine levels need to be below 0.1 mg/L and the pH between 6.5 and 8.5 before draining.
- If water is drained on the ground, drain across at least 15 feet of grass (not concrete) to allow any remaining chemicals to dissipate before reaching the storm drain.
- Keep the water flow low, about 12 gallons per minute, to prevent erosion of soil and landscaping.
Questions? Just call the West Des Moines Engineering Services Department at (515) 222-3475. You can learn more about the importance of preventing stormwater contamination by visiting www.IowaStormwater.org.
Original source can be found here.
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