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SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP KEEP OUR WATERBODIES CLEAN

It’s illegal to discharge swimming pool water into public space. Chlorinated swimming pool water may also not be discharged into the storm drain or ditches. Storm drains and ditches convey water directly to rivers and streams, and chlorinated water can kill aquatic life. The penalty is up to $1,000. Please select one of the following two options below for discharging swimming pool water properly. For guidance on draining saltwater pools, please call the Stormwater Hotline at 303-706-3367stormwaterhotline@westminsterco.gov.

Option 1: Drain to a vegetated area on your property

Drain dechlorinated water to the grass/turf/or any area on your property that will allow the water to absorb into the ground, if and only if...

• You do not cause flooding of your neighbor’s property or any other adjacent property.
• The land area is sufficient to prevent erosion and runoff into a ditch, creek, or other conveyance (i.e. storm drain).
• You do not cause harm to the environment. This water can be used to irrigate plants, saturate dry ground, or soak into mulched areas.
• Pool water may not be discharged into unpaved roads and alleys.

Option 2: Dechlorinate pool water before discharging into a storm drain

Dechlorinate the pool water before draining it into the storm drain. Consider the following options for removing chlorine:

• Simply stop adding chlorine to your uncovered pool and wait. Sunlight will help to naturally dissipate the chlorine within 10 days.
• Chemically dechlorinate the pool water. Chemicals that will quickly remove chlorine are available through pool and spa care vendors. Follow the directions on the product label.
• Verify water is dechlorinated with a pool testing kit (<(less than) 0.1 mg/L).
• Pools may not be permanently connected to a storm drain or drainage channel.
• NEVER discharge filter backwash to the storm sewer system.

Pool water may be discharged to the storm drain only after all of the following conditions are met:

• Other disposal methods (i.e. landscaping) are not possible.
• The pool or spa is completely dechlorinated.
• The pH of the water is between 6 and 9.
• There is no discharge of filter media.
• There is no discharge of acid cleaning wastes.
• Discharge water will not pond or flow to neighboring properties.

If you have any questions or want additional guidance, please email or call the Stormwater Hotline at stormwaterhotline@westminsterco.gov or  303-706-3367. If you see someone draining a pool into the street and you smell chlorine in the water, please report this to the Stormwater Hotline.