Residents Reminded to Comply With Sewer Use By-law When Draining Pools

The City of Greater Sudbury is reminding residents of the proper ways to drain swimming pools. In addition to protecting the municipal wastewater treatment system, the Sewer Use By-law 2010-188 protects the environment by regulating discharge into the municipal storm sewer system.

Storm sewers are designed to carry rain and snow melt away from homes and roads. Water entering the storm sewer system is not treated prior to discharge into the environment. Swimming pools contain chemicals that are harmful to fish and other aquatic life living in our lakes, rivers and creeks.

When draining swimming pools, residents must not discharge wastewater:
•    either directly or indirectly into a storm sewer (ie. catch basins, curbs and ditches),
•    onto an adjoining  property, including municipal roads and sidewalks or
•    over a valley or ravine slope, as pool water may cause erosion and damage to vegetation.

The best way to drain pools is at a very slow trickle onto your own property so wastewater evaporates or soaks into the ground. 

Residents also have the option to contract the services of a licensed waste hauler or to discharge by way of a temporary connection to the sanitary sewer system, which requires written authorization of an official of the City’s Water/Wastewater division.

Residents who do not comply with the by-law are liable for a maximum fine of up to $5,000 per day for a first offence. Corporations are liable for a fine up to $50,000 per day for a first offence. 

For more information on the sewer use by-law please visit www.greatersudbury.ca or dial 3-1-1 for municipal services.

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