It’s all just water, isn’t it? - The City of Red Deer

October 1, 2008

(Red Deer, Alberta) – It’s time to get swimming pools and spas ready for winter, but pool and spa water shouldn’t be drained into the street or through storm drains.

“Water entering storm drains empties directly into the river and is not treated at the Wastewater Treatment Plant,” said Pam Vust, Environmental Initiatives Coordinator. “Although pool and spa water may be safe for humans to swim in, the chlorine and other chemicals are toxic to fish and other aquatic life.”

There are two ways to safely dispose of pool and/or spa water. Citizens can pump it into a sanitary sewer drain outlet, through a floor drain, sink or toilet in their house. They can also drain it into a vegetated area or use it to irrigate hearty plants, to saturate dry ground or to soak down rocked or mulched areas. Those who choose to drain their pool or spa onto a landscaped area must ensure that all water is contained on their property.

Regardless of how people dispose of the water, it is important to minimize the amount of chemicals that are in it before you drain your pool or spa. These chemicals may harm your plants and can cause problems with the wastewater treatment process.

“People should stop adding chemicals to pools or spas at least one week before draining it. They should then use a chlorine test kit to ensure there are no detectable levels of chlorine in the water,” said Vust.

Never leave a pool or spa hose unattended while it is draining. “Properly disposing of pool and spa water helps protect the environment and our drinking water supply,” said Vust.

For more information about how to safely dispose of swimming pool and spa water visit www.reddeer.ca or call Environmental Services at 403-342-8751.

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For more information, please contact:

Pam Vust
Environmental Initiatives Coordinator
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8751