Don’t drain pools into storm drains
50 years: 60 years: 65 years:
Oklahoma City is reminding swimming pool owners that it is illegal to drain chlorinated pool water into neighborhood storm drains.
Water flowing down neighborhood storm drains is not filtered before it drains into local streams and reservoirs, which can harm wildlife, a news release stated.
“Native fish and other aquatic life living in our waterways cannot tolerate the levels of chlorine and other chemicals often found in pool water and backwash water from filtration units,” said Raymond Melton, stormwater quality manager.
If residents use chlorinated water in their pools and the pool isn’t connected to a sanitary sewer line for draining, the water must be de-chlorinated before releasing it into a storm drain. All saltwater systems must be drained into the sanitary sewer system.
Fines for illegal disposal into storm drains range from $200 to $1,000 per day for each violation, according to Oklahoma City Municipal Code.
Spread the word
Residents, civic organizations or other interested groups can get help spread the word about protecting waterways by participating in Oklahoma City’s Curbs to Creeks program.
Participants can check out a kit with markers, adhesive and other tools needed to place decals on storm drain inlets to inform neighbors about not dumping waste into 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,” Melton added. “The decals also provide a number that residents can call to report illegal dumping activities.”
Any leftover or unwanted pool chemicals may be dropped off at Oklahoma City’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, 1621 S Portland Ave.
For more information, go to okc.gov/swq or call 405-297-1774.