GREENWOOD, Ind. (August 31, 2017) – Labor Day weekend for many signals the end of summer and backyard barbecues, but for those responsible for public and private pools, it also is a time when many are closing those pools for the year. Indiana American Water is encouraging pool owners and managers to take the proper precautions when draining their pools and storing or disposing of pool chemicals.
“As pools begin to close after Labor Day weekend, we want to ensure our waterways aren’t contaminated with chemically treated water and untreated combinations of potentially harmful and dangerous pool chemicals,” said Deborah Dewey, Indiana American Water president. “All Indiana residents who have a pool or managers of public pools must properly use, store and eventually dispose of chemicals to keep Indiana’s waterways and drinking water supply clean and to protect the aquatic ecosystem.”
Indiana American Water is urging everyone to follow a few simple steps to help prevent water pollution when closing their pools:
- Only rain down the drain: when draining a pool full of water treated by chemicals, the water should be drained directly into a sanitary sewer system (sewer clean out port) to ensure the water make its way to a treatment plant and not local waterways
- Septic system overflows: Do not drain your pool water into a septic tank as it may overflow causing backups or malfunctions
- Keep it clean: dechlorinate your pool to undetectable levels, less than 0.1mg/L before draining
- Know where to go: visit Recycle Indiana to find a location nearest you to dispose of hazardous pool chemicals
Additionally, some public pools are used year round, and improper storage or maintenance of harmful chemicals can cause injury to those enjoying pool time. Taking proper precautions can help avoid incidents in the future and keep our public pools safe and clean.
Those with pools should also make sure reactive chemicals are not stored together. Doing so could potentially cause a negative, harmful reaction, endangering residents and the local water supply. When storing these chemicals for the season, the ideal locations must not have temperatures above 95 degrees or below 36 degrees. They should be stored in a completely dry and ventilated area to prevent a gas buildup or reactions with water.
Dewey added, “We look forward to continuing to educate the public about best practices for maintaining, opening and closing pools. We are committed to working together to find opportunities to prevent pollution and ensure quality water from the source to the tap.”
For more information on water safety, visit www.indianaamwater.com.
About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 1.3 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 131st anniversary this year, the company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.