Chlorine, bromine, cleaning agents and several other chemicals are used in pool and hot tub treatment, maintenance and cleaning.  Chlorine and bromine are highly toxic to fish and aquatic life, even at levels well below the detection limit of the chlorine test kits that homeowners typically use. Chlorine as low as 0.002 ppm could have adverse effects in the environment of a watercourse

Backwash, drain water and cleaning water contain chemicals, detergents, excessive pH levels and other contaminants harmful to fish and aquatic life, which must not enter the storm drainage system.

Best Management Practices
To prevent contaminants from entering the storm drain system and ultimately our creeks and rivers, please observe the following practices if you do not have a sanitary sewer connection for your pool or hot tub:

• Remove any solid chlorine or bromine tablets or pucks from the filtration system and disconnect automatic disinfecting devices well in advance of draining your pool or hot tub.
• Allow pool water to stand uncovered until the chlorine or bromine residual is zero.
• Ensure the water is not drained to areas where there are storm drains, yard drains, building perimeter drains, ditches or creeks.  Allow the water (including regular backwash water) to drain slowly to the ground so it soaks away without flooding neighbouring property, streets, or lanes.
• Ensure that the backwash is drained to the soil or a rock pit.  Particular attention is required when super-chlorinating a pool.  Complete the backwashing before increasing the chlorine or disinfectant levels.
• Avoid discharging pool maintenance wastewater, such as cleansing of concrete or tile, to the storm drain system.
• Store all pool and hot tub treatment, maintenance and cleaning chemicals in a secure area where spills are contained and cannot enter the drainage or the sanitary sewer systems.
• Old cleaning, maintenance, and treatment chemicals may require special disposal. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for disposal of these products. For further disposal information contact the manufacturer, the BC Recycling Hotline at 604.732.9253 or the Ministry of Environment at 250.387.3205.

For further information contact:

Ministry of Environment
Environmental Protection Division
Tel  250.387.3205
Email  envprotdiv@Victoria1.gov.bc.ca
Website  www.env.gov.bc.ca/epdiv/

City of Port Coquitlam
Engineering & Operations Department
Tel  604.927.5420
Fax  604.927.5407
Email engineering@portcoquitlam.ca

Please Note
This information is provided as a guide only.  The information is compiled from various sources and is NOT warranted as to its accuracy and sufficiency by the City of Port Coquitlam.  It is the responsibility of the business licence applicant to comply with all applicable bylaws and legislation.