Officials warn against dumping pool water into storm drains

With people filling up their swimming pools in an effort to beat the heat, city officials remind residents it’s illegal to dump chlorinated pool water down storm drains.

Water that flows through storm drains isn’t filtered before it drains into streams and reservoirs, and high levels of chlorine can harm native fish and aquatic life, according to a news release.

Pool water that’s not connected to a sanitary sewer line for draining must be de-chlorinated before it can be released into a storm drain. Under Oklahoma City municipal code, residents can be fined $200 to $1,000 per day for each violation.

Residents interested in protecting against chemicals going into storm drains can join the city’s Curbs to Creeks program. Participants can check out a kit that contains the markers, adhesive and other tools needed to place decals that discourage dumping waste in storm drains.

“This is a grassroots effort where people can get involved at a neighborhood level and help to raise the awareness that stormwater is not treated before entering our local waterways,” Stormwater Quality Manger Raymond Melton said.

“The decals also provide a number that residents can call to report illegal dumping activities.”

For more information about the Curbs to Creeks program, storm drain contamination or to report a violation, call 297-1774.