With swimming season in full swing, it is important for pool owners to ensure proper pool maintenance in order to protect the water quality for our creeks and wildlife.

In Round Rock, the illicit discharge ordinance (Section 14-143 of Article VI) prohibits improper disposal of “any swimming pool, fountain or spa water, including backwash water, containing total residual chlorine (TRC) of one ppm (part per million) or more, or containing any harmful quantity of chlorine, muriatic acid or other chemical used in the treatment or disinfection of the swimming pool water or in pool cleaning.”

So, what does this all mean? When performing pool maintenance, it is illegal to drain water into Round Rock’s storm drain system that contains any of the above pollutants. This water drains into our creeks, and can affect water quality and wildlife.

Pool owners can discharge chlorinated, salt or filtered backwash water to a vegetated area on their own property. When discharging on your property, make sure the area is large enough to avoid any adverse impacts from runoff and puddles of standing water and remember that high chlorine levels and salt content can potentially damage vegetation.

Pool water may alternatively be discharged to the storm drainage system if it is free of pollutants and if certain conditions are met, such as dechlorinating the water. Direct hose connection to the storm drain system is prohibited.

By disposing of pool water properly, you are helping to preserve our creeks and wildlife. Visit roundrocktexas.gov/stormwater for more information.