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Swimming Pool Discharge

The information below is from City of Dallas Stormwater Management, 214-948-4022.

Dallas City Code Chapter 19 Health and Sanitation, Section 19-118 prohibits discharging filter backwash and pool water with a chlorine level of 1 mg/L or greater to the storm drain system. Such violations can result in fines up to $2,000 per violation, per day.

It is a City Code violation to drain pools into the alleyways. Pools drained for repairs or cleaning must drain to the sanitary sewer in compliance with the Dallas Plumbing Code, to a natural drainage course if no sanitary sewer is available (City Code Chapter 43A).

When a swimming pool is drained to a natural drainage course, such as down an alley/street, the pool water with all its chemicals enters the storm drainage system and then is discharged directly into the nearest creek, river, or lake without being cleaned or treated.

Stormwater pollution from swimming pools is preventable. To view swimming pool requirements in the Dallas City Code, visit the City of Dallas website at www.dallascityhall.com.

Stormwater Prevention Tips

  • Cease pool treatments prior to discharging.
  • Dechlorinate water to less than 1 mg/L before draining.
  • Verify a pH between 6 and 9 prior to discharge.
  • Clean vegetation and debris before draining.
  • Monitor draining to prevent erosion.
  • Discharge all backwash to the sanitary sewer system.
  • Clean pool filters over a vegetated area.
  • Do not discharge copper-based or silver-based algaecides.

Report stormwater polluters. Call 3-1-1.

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City Stormwater Pollution Concerns

Zachary Peoples of Dallas Water Utilities addressed inquiries about Green Construction Codes and the sewer debris problems that have occurred in our neighborhood during record rainfall events over the past few months.

Below are some important points to know:

  • Dallas Water Utilities is aware of the sewer overflows and recognize the need for sanitary sewer system improvements in our specific area.
  • The 2007 Wastewater Master Plan Study recommended the replacement and upsizing of the pipeline along Joe’s Creek from Forest Lane to Northwest Highway. Construction of Phase 1 will begin late 2017, Phase 2 spring 2018 and Phase 3 fall of 2018.
  • Immediately, Dallas Water Utilities will conduct an inflow and infiltration investigation consisting of an internal inspection of pipes, smoke testing, dye water testing (if required) and a general inspection of sanitary sewer. Sewer cleaning and system repairs could result. This process could take 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Green Construction Codes: The City participated in development of a region-wide approach to implementing Green Infrastructure. The 1993 Drainage Manual is being updated to include pertinent information into the City’s drainage design process.

View full text of email. ZPemail

Note: I received a notice on my door this afternoon that the sewer inspections will begin in the next few days on my street. Look for a yellow door tag on your front door for details before tests. If you didn’t get one today, keep an eye out for it.

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Telephone Scam

A resident of Northaven Park recently reported receiving an unsolicited phone call  from a Microsoft technician claiming that her computer had a virus.

If you receive a similar call, hang up. Do not give the caller any personal information.

This scam or a variation of it has been floating around for almost as many years as the Nigerian money transfer scam, and it is still going strong.

How the scam works: A caller, claiming to be a representative of Microsoft, one of its brands or a third party contracted by Microsoft, tells you he is checking into a computer problem, infection or virus that has been detected by Microsoft. He tells you he can help and may direct you to a website that then allows him to take remote control of your computer. After demonstrating where the “problems” are, he will try to convince you to pay a fee to repair the problems. Of course, he will want your credit card or bank account information.

Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism.
Do not provide any personal information.

Snopes.com has more information about the Microsoft Impersonation Scam.
Also see Scam Alerts from the FTC for phone and email scams.

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Zebra Mussels

Hello Zebra Mussels, goodbye Texas lakes.

This Memorial Day weekend, City of Dallas Water Utilities reminds you to Clean, Drain and Dry your boat! Our lakes and rivers are under attack by zebra mussels. This destructive invasive species harms aquatic life, damages boats and even affects your water supply. Lake Texoma, Ray Roberts, Lewisville, Bridgeport, Belton and Lavon are already infested, and without your help, zebra mussels could spread throughout the state.

Don’t be a carrier: Clean, Drain, Dry
Prevent the spread of zebra mussels by always following these steps:

CLEAN off any vegetation, mud or foreign objects on the boat, trailer and gear before you leave the lake. Adult zebra mussels attach to hard surfaces such as boat hulls, motors and pipes.

DRAIN all water from the boat. Zebra mussel larvae are invisible to the naked eye and can hide in the water in your motor, bilge, live wells and bait buckets.

DRY the boat and trailer for a week or more before entering another water body. It’s a surefire way to kill any remaining zebra mussels.

Visit TexasInvasives.org/ZebraMussels for more information and watch a video about Zebra Mussels here.

Thank you for doing your part to stop the spread of these destructive invaders in Texas lakes and rivers.