BEFORE YOU DRAIN
PREPARING POOLS AND SPAS FOR THE SEASON illcreek
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP NEWS
As warmer weather approaches, preparing swimming pools for summer use is on forefront of many owners’ minds. Historically individuals, or their agents, may have discharged the pool water directly to a storm sewer inlet or on their property where it generated runoff and subsequently entered a storm inlet. The discharge of pool, or spa water to the municipal storm sewer or regulated waters( e. g., stream) is an illicit discharge, and a violation of the PA Code and Millcreek Township’ s applicable ordinances. This is not a new regulation, but rather one that homeowners and maintenance companies may not have been aware of.
WHY POOL AND SPA DISCHARGES MATTER
Pool and spa water may contain chlorine, salt, algaecides, phenols, and other chemicals related to disinfectant processes that can be detrimental to aquatic life. Per the PA Department of Environmental Protection( DEP), these disinfectants react with other organic matter such as dirt, sweat, skin cells, leaves, and organisms to create potentially harmful byproducts. Other contaminants include oil and grease from sunscreens and lotions. backwashing of pool filters may also contribute debris to the discharges.
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All these pollutants have the potential to adversely affect public health and lead to environmental impacts to waters of the Commonwealth.
SEASONAL CLOSURES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
When summer ends and it’ s time to prepare the pool for winterization, the same discharge restrictions apply. If you have any questions or concerns related to discharges from these facilities please scan the QR code below.
If you witness or suspect any illicit discharge, you contact the township at( 814) 833- 6096 during normal business hours or complete an illicit discharge form at the link below.
DEP Fact Sheet
Report Illicit Discharge
WHERE POOL AND SPA WATER MAY BE DISCHARGED
Per Millcreek’ s sewer ordinance, all pool and spa discharges must be to the public sanitary sewer system. In the event a sanitary sewer is not available, the water can be used for irrigation to a well vegetated area, providing it does not generate off-site runoff.
Pool water should not be discharged into a septic system. These systems are generally not designed for the volume of flow, and the contaminants may impact the proper functioning of the system.
REQUIRED PROCEDURES WHEN SANITARY SEWER DISCHARGE IS NOT AVAILABLE
The following procedures should be followed when public sanitary sewer discharging is not an option:
Shut off the chlorination / disinfection system if applicable or stop adding chlorine and chemicals. Shut off heating system Retain the water in the pool / spa to reduce chlorine level to 0.5mg / L or less and the water temperature is within 10 ° F of the air temperature. Water may need to be held for 10 days or more. Test the water and adjust pH, as applicable, to between 6.0 and 9.0 standard units. When discharging, do not drain on a rainy day and ensure runoff doesn’ t leave the property. Flow rate is low enough to allow for on-site infiltration and erosion doesn’ t occur Nuisances such as long-term ponding, orders, and mosquito breeding conditions are prevented.