Residents reminded not to release swimming pool water into storm drains

(September 1, 2009) - As swim season winds down swimming pool owners preparing to drain their pool are reminded that it is illegal to discharge chlorinated pool water down their neighborhood storm drain. 

According to Storm Water Quality supervisor Raymond Melton, water that flows from neighborhoods down storm drains is not filtered before it flows into the Canadian River, South Canadian River, Deer Creek basin and Deep Fork basin.   

“Native fish and small aquatic life living in our rivers don’t have a tolerance for even the smallest amounts of chlorine and other pollution,” said Melton. “Having a healthy aquatic life is important to the City’s eco-system.”

If your pool isn’t connected to a sanitary sewer line for draining, the water must be de-chlorinated before releasing it into a storm drain.  Under the Oklahoma City Municipal Code, fines can range from $200 -$1,000 per day for each violation.

Oklahoma City’s Curbs to Creeks program is a volunteer effort to mark storm drains in Oklahoma City with a sticker reminding people that the water that goes into drains flows into our rivers. Those interested in marking drains in their neighborhood can call 297-1774. 

For more information about storm drain contamination or to report a violation, call 297-1774.