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1. How do I drain my swimming pool?

The first choice for draining swimming pool water should be to drain pool water into the sanitary sewer. In-ground pools typically have a sanitary sewer drainage inlet near the pool equipment. Pools and spas not plumbed with a sanitary sewer drainage inlet can be drained to a sanitary sewer line plumbed to the home. Consult a licensed plumber or pool professional if you are unsure how to go about draining your pool.

If certain criteria are met, pools can be drained into the street gutter or storm drain. The water needs to be dechlorinated. Use a home pool test kit to confirm that chlorine residual levels do not exceed 0.1 ppm and that the pH level is between 6.5 and 8.5.

Pool drainage water can be used to irrigate hearty plants, to saturate dry ground, or to soak down rocked or mulched areas. Be sure to regulate the rate of discharge so that it does not cause problems such as erosion, flooding, or overburden the downstream drainage facility.

For further information contact the City’s Environmental Program Coordinator at (909) 364-2835.

2. What is storm water pollution?

Storm water pollution occurs when pollutants, such as automobile fluids, pet wastes, and sediments, enter the storm drain system. Rain water picks up pollutants as it flows across paved surfaces and carries them into the storm water conveyance system and out to local waterways.

3. Are sewers and storm drains the same thing?

Sewers and storm drains are not the same thing. Sewers collect wastewater from indoor plumbing, such as toilets, sinks, washing machines, and floor drains. A municipal sewer system includes the collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage water. A municipal storm water system only transports water for flood control purposes; no treatment of storm water occurs before it is discharged to local bodies.

4. How do I report a storm water pollution concern?

Concerns regarding possible pollutants being discharged to a street gutter, storm drain, or storm channel should be directed to the Environmental Program Coordinator in the Engineering Division of Public Works at (909) 364-2770.

Additionally, the County of San Bernardino maintains a 24-hour toll free water pollution reporting hotline at (800) CLEANUP.

To report serious spill emergencies, call 911.

5. If yard clippings and leaves are natural, why are they considered pollutants?

As yard clippings and leaves decompose, they deplete water of dissolved oxygen that aquatic species, including fish and turtles, need to survive. Excessive plant material also encourages algae growth.