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NOTE: Most of this data comes from the City of Ottawa, however much
of the information can be applied to our (What about
Clarence-Rockland residents?) community. We have to divide this information into two
areas:
- Residents who live on a sewer system;
- Residents who live on a septic tank system.
 As
summer draws to a close, it’s time to prepare your backyard pool for winter. As most pool owners know, there is
a right way and a wrong way to proceed.
1. The following information is of particular interest to people living in
a municipal setting with a sewer:
Draining large volumes of chlorinated water is not quite as simple as pulling a plug. Chlorinated water, as well
as salt water, contains chemicals that can be harmful to wildlife in and around streams, creeks and rivers. When
disposing of pool water, it is important to pick a method that reduces the negative impact on the environment and
on your neighbours.
The first step for disposing
of pool water is to remove the chlorine. Let the water stand
for one week without adding chlorine or use a dechlorination additive available at your local pool store.
Next step, select a disposal method:
- Drain dechlorinated water onto your lawn, as long as it does not run onto a neighbouring property,
over a valley or into a ravine, or
- Drain dechlorinated water into a storm drain on a dry day (to prevent overloading of storm sewers).
Before doing so, it is essential that pool water is free of chlorine, algaecides, fungicides, debris and algae,
as once the pool water enters a storm sewer it is directed without treatment to the nearest creek, stream or river.
Care must also be taken to ensure that the road and surrounding properties are not impacted.
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If you live within the City of Ottawa and are on the sewer system, it is against the bylaw
to drain your chlorinated and/or salt water pool into the storm sewer system. The penalty could be a $300 fine
for a first offence, and up to $5000 for repeated offences.
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If you cannot dechlorinate the pool water, the only available option is to drain chlorinated
water into the sanitary sewer by running a hose to an indoor drain such as a utility tub. (In Ottawa) this will
ensure that the water is treated at the City's wastewater treatment facility.
(Caution: If you do drain your pool into a utility tub, monitor
the process carefully because the water could easily back up and overflow the tub.)
NOTE: Some in-ground pools have a drain line connected
to the sanitary sewer; contact a plumber for more information.
Salt water should never be discharged to a storm sewer because of the harmful effects on the
environment. It can be drained to the sanitary sewer, removed by a licensed wastewater hauler or discharged onto
the owner's property provided there is no impact on surrounding properties.
(Caution: If you drain salt water onto your property, make sure
that it does not impact on your neighbour's property. Also, salt water may have a negative effect on your lawn.)
The City of Ottawa's Sewer Use By-law (2003-514) regulates the disposal of
pool water. Contravention of the by-law may result in a fine ($300 for a first offence and up to $5000 for repeated
offences).
City of Ottawa residents: Sewer Use BY-LAW NO. 2003-514
SWIMMING POOLS
18. (1) No person shall discharge wastewater from a swimming pool or wading pool:
(a) such that it flows directly or indirectly to a storm sewer or storm drainage system;
(b) such that it flows onto an adjoining property;
(c) such that it flows over a valley or ravine wall; or
(d) such that it may cause erosion or instability of the valley or ravine slope.
(2) Wastewater from a swimming or wading pool shall either be transported away by an appropriately licensed waste
hauler or be discharged either by way of a temporary connection to the sanitary sewer or by way of controlled discharge
to the owner's property such that the discharge is at all times contained within the property until it evaporates
or infiltrates into the ground. |
2. The following information is of particular interest to people living in
a rural setting with a well and a septic system:
Firstly, common sense suggests that you should not empty your pool into your septic tank
(some people have tried it either directly into the tank, or through an inside drain that goes into the septic
tank). Why?
- a) Because the volume of water will overflow the tank and drain field, and
- b) the chlorinated water, as well as salt water contains chemicals that will kill beneficial
bacteria in your tank.
Secondly, you should not empty your pool into local
ditches because the water will ultimately drain into a creek or river system and chlorinated water, as well as
salt water, contains chemicals that can be harmful to wildlife in and around streams, creeks and rivers.
To repeat, the first step for disposing of pool water
is to remove the chlorine. Let the water stand for one week
without adding chlorine or use a dechlorination additive available at your local pool store.
Next step, select a disposal method:
- Drain dechlorinated water onto your lawn, as long as it does not run onto a neighbouring property,
over a valley or into a ravine
- Draining salt water is again a problem because of the adverse effects either in ditches or on
your lawn. Ideally pick a piece of your property where the salt water will dissipate into the ground safely.
By following these simple steps you are practicing responsible pool care and making your own
important contribution to protecting our environment.
Hint: Stop chlorinating after Labour Day weekend
and start draining after Thanksgiving weekend.
What about Clarence-Rockland residents?
While the information above pertains to the City of Ottawa, it may be used as general guidelines for residents
of Clarence-Rockland.
In speaking to an official with the Clarence-Rockland Bylaw Department we learned that they are
studying the current bylaw, with a view to updating it. With an increase in private swimming
pools and with the latest innovation of using salt water in swimming pools, the process of discharging water into
the storm sewer system is becoming a concern.
Both the Clarence-Rockland Bylaw Department and the Environment office are working on to update
bylaw 2007-50.
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