Westport Officials Caution Residents Discharging Swimming Pools

Westport Conservation Director Alicia Mozian reminded residents Monday who are preparing their swimming pools for the winter season to discharge the water in an environmentally responsible manner.   

“At this time of the year, many residents are preparing their swimming pools for the winter season,” said Mozian.  “This process usually includes lowering the level of the water in the pool in order to make room for water expansion during the formation of ice. “

The Conservation Department and Department of Public Works offer the following guidelines to the community regarding the discharge of swimming pool water and the protection of the water and other natural resources:

• Wait at least a week after the last application of chlorine before preparing to discharge swimming pool water.  This waiting period deactivates the chlorine and lessens the impact on wetlands and watercourses.  As a safety measure, always perform a chemical test on the pool water before its release. 

• Discharging pool water into catch basins is an acceptable practice in Westport, if done in a responsible manner. 

• Before discharging any water, check the catch basin to determine whether it is connected to a functioning drainage system. Avoid any catch basin that does not have a functioning outlet.

• Release the pool water slowly, over time, so it does not overburden the drainage system.  

• In the event of a rainstorm, the discharge should be halted immediately so that streets and adjacent properties will not become flooded.  

• If no catch basin is available, deactivated pool water may be discharged over the ground, provided that the point of discharge is a minimum of 25 feet from any wetland or watercourse. 

• Discharge to the municipal sanitary sewer is prohibited. 

• Residents are reminded that it is illegal to discharge pool water directly into a wetland or watercourse. 

• Pool water containing active chemicals such as chlorine can kill lawn grass, trees and shrubs if discharged on the ground. Similarly, this water can contaminate delicate wetlands and damage aquatic vegetation, harming these beneficial natural resources. 

For additional information, residents can contact the Conservation Department at (203) 341-1170 or the Department of Public Works at (203) 341-1120.