Pool water can be harmful to the environment; therefore, it is important to discharge water from your pool properly. When pool water is discharged into the catch basin near your home, it travels untreated through the storm sewer system, eventually entering the environment.
In Ontario, the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) identifies the requirements of a person who causes a spill or is in control of a material that is spilled. Discharging pool water to the environment untreated is considered a spill.
All spills shall be contained, cleaned-up and reported to both:
Community Services Department, Compliance Division at 905 775 5366
Spills Action Center (SAC) at 1 800 268 6060
Chlorinated Pools
Pool water must be dechlorinated before it is discharged into the storm sewer system. Dechlorination is the process of removing chlorine residual from water. Once the water has been dechlorinated it is permitted to be discharged in accordance with the Town's Sewer Use By-law 2013-68.
When discharging into the storm sewer system, pool water should be drained across your lawn to reduce the flow rate and increase absorption. Be mindful of where the water will flow, and avoid draining your pool where water will enter neighbouring properties or flow towards homes.
Salt Water Pools
Salt water pools must be disposed of by a licensed Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) water hauler. It is the responsibility of the pool owner and contractor to follow all local, provincial, and federal regulations when draining pool water.
Please do your part to protect the environment by properly draining your pool.
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