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.