KEEP POOL, SPA AND FOUNTIAN WATER OUT OF THE STORM DRAINS

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DID YOU KNOW….?

Copper is a pollutant that threatens aquatic life in our creeks and lakes. It is used as an algaecide in pools, spas, and fountains, and copper pipes are commonly used in pool plumbing.

Draining pools, spas, and fountains to storm drains can pollute creeks with copper, chlorine, sediments, and other contaminants.

Storm drains flow directly into our creeks and lakes without treatment.

Chlorine burns the gills and fins of fish, destroys sensory organs, interferes with fish’s ability to find food, and causes internal organ damage.



HOW TO DISCHARGE YOUR POOL, SPA, OR FOUNTAIN CORRECTLY.

Maintenance

Clean regularly, maintain proper chlorine levels, and maintain water filtration and circulation. Manage pH and water hardness to minimize copper pipe corrosion that can stain your pool and end up in our creeks and lakes. Minimize algae buildup to prevent the need for toxic algaecides.

Cleaning

Never clean a filter in the street, gutter, or storm drain. Rinse cartridge filters onto a dirt area and spade filter residue into the soil. Keep backwash discharge out of the street and storm drain. Backwash sand and diatomaceous earth filters onto a dirt area. Dispose of spent filter materials in the trash.

Draining

Before draining your pool, spa or fountain discontinue the addition of salt and chlorine. Test to ensure the chlorine is below 0.1 mg/L and the pH is between 6.5 and 8.5 before draining.

Don’t drain into a street, gutter, or storm drain.

Another option would be to discharge the pool, spa, or fountain across a flat vegetative area (not directly onto paved surface). Drain water over at least 15 feet of grassy landscape first to allow 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 vegetation. Wastewater from backwash filter systems should be directed to the sanitary sewer through a drain in the home.

For more information on how you can protect Iowa’s streams and lakes, contact the City of Bondurant Public Works Department at 515-967-2418.

WHAT IS ILLICIT DISCHARGE?

Illicit discharge is anything not entirely composed of stormwater (EPA) and can include effluent from septic tanks, car wash wastewaters, laundry wastewaters, improper disposal of auto and household toxins, and water from pools, spas, and fountains. These discharges pollute and degrade water quality which is found in the creeks and lakes which may affect aquatic, wildlife, and human health. Failure to follow the guidelines noted could result in a fine under City Code 147.05.

 

SOURCES:

www.watershedwatch.net

www.epa.gov

www.homereference.net