In light of the recent catastrophic wildfires that took place in the greater Los Angeles area this January, numerous swimming pools will require draining to allow for repairs and eliminate toxic pollutants.
To protect storm drains, channels, creeks and bays, there are established guidelines regarding the discharge of swimming pool water in the City of Los Angeles.
Regulatory issues regarding the discharge of swimming pool water and the two methods by which it may be discharged are explained. Information comes from the City of Los Angeles, Watershed Protection Program.
Requirements to Discharge to the Storm Drain (for Residential/Private Pools)
Discharges allowed after implementation of specified Best Management Practices, as follows:
• Discharges of cleaning waste water and filter backwash are allowed only if authorized by a separate National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Contact the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
• Implement Best Management Practices and ensure discharge avoids potential sources of pollutants in the flow path to prevent introduction of pollutants prior to discharge to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and receiving water.
• Swimming pool water must be dechlorinated or debrominated using holding time, aeration, and/ or sodium thiosulfate. Dechlorinate or debrominate swimming pool, spa or decorative fountain water by allowing the water to sit for a few days without adding chlorine or adding a dechlorinating agent to the water prior to discharging it to the gutter. Chlorine residual in the discharge shall not exceed 0.1 ppm. Swimming pool discharges are to be pH adjusted, if necessary, and be within the range of 6.5-8.5 standard units.
• Swimming pool water shall not contain any detergents, wastes, or algicides, or any other chemicals including salts from pools commonly referred to as “salt water pools” in excess of applicable water quality objectives. Pool or spa water containing copper-based algicides is not allowed to be discharged to the MS4.
• Swimming pool discharges shall be volumetrically and velocity controlled to promote evaporation and/or infiltration.
• When discharging to a storm drain, examine the downstream catch basin for cleanliness prior to releasing the water. Clogged catch basins may cause the discharged water to flood surface streets. Call (800) 974-9794 to report a clogged catch basin.
• Discharges to the storm drain system are allowed between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Advanced notification is required for discharges of 100,000 gallons or above, at least 72 hours prior to the planned discharge. For such discharges contact: lastormwater@lacity.org.
• For discharges of 100,000 gallons or more, immediately prior to discharge, the discharge pathway and the MS4 inlet to which the discharge is directed shall be inspected and cleaned out.
Requirements To Discharge to the Sanitary Sewer
• Residential pools are exempt from wastewater permitting requirements. However, non-residential pools are required to obtain a wastewater permit if they generate wastewater from pool/ spa/ fountain/ pond draining, pool deck draining, or filter backwash processes. Typical facilities required to obtain a wastewater permit include but are not limited to: recreation centers, schools, health clubs, hospitals, hotels, etc. Additionally, refer to the latest LADBS Information Bulletin/ Public-Building Code regarding the Design and Construction of Swimming Pools.
Contact Info
The following agencies are responsible for granting permits for connections and discharges to the sanitary sewer system or the storm drain system: Draining
From page 6
a. Discharges to Sanitary Sewer System — Industrial Wastewater Permit.
Permit application and information can be found on the Industrial Waste Management Division website at: www.lacitysan.org/industrialwaste.
b. If you would like to contact LA Sanitation’s Industrial Waste Management Division, call at (323) 342-6200 or email at San. IWMD@lacity.org.
c. Sewer or Storm Drain Connection Permit. To install a connection to the sanitary sewer system or the storm drain system, contact your local Development Services Center. To determine the nearest center to you, visit Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety website: https://www.ladbs.org/locations/alllocations. d. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. This permit is required for non-stormwater discharges to the storm drain system that are not “Exempted” or “Conditionally Exempted”. Contact the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board located at 320 W. 4th Street, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90013, or call (213) 576- 6600.
