Draining pools and hot tubs into a watercourse system is strictly prohibited. West Vancouver has an abundance of streams, rivers, creeks, and waterbodies that contribute to its unique ecosystems. Storm drains are often directly connected to creeks and rivers where even small amounts of pool chemicals, or temperature changes can kill fish and cause serious environmental impacts.
Drainage Regulations
Water from swimming pools, hot tubs, or other chlorinated water should be drained into the District’s sanitary sewer system. Violations may result in fines.
Acceptable drainage limits are outlined in Schedule E of the Sewerage and Drainage Regulation Bylaw 5263, 2023.
Restricted Discharge
pH: between 5.5 and 10.5
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD): less than or equal to 500 mg/L
Total Suspended Solids (TSS): less than or equal to 600 mg/L
Chlorophenols: less than or equal to 0.05 mg/L
Phenols: less than or equal to 1.0 mg/L
Guidelines for Drainage
Avoid draining your pool or hot tub onto your lawn or landscape due to the risks of flooding neighboring properties. To properly drain a pool or hot tub it is recommended to:
- use appropriate equipment to drain water into private plumbing fixtures connected to the District’s sanitary sewer system. If unsure how to do so, contact a licensed plumber
- monitor drainage activities and be vigilant. Be ready to call a plumber if a sewer backup occurs
