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Discharging Chlorinated Water

Discharges of chlorinated water to the storm drain system, which leads directly to local streams, can have detrimental impacts to our waterways. Chlorine and chloramines are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. In order to safeguard against adverse effects to the environment, proper dechlorination and disposal procedures must be conducted when draining chlorinated water.

RequirementsDischarging chlorinated water.

  • Contractors are responsible for dechlorinating all water — regardless of the chlorine concentration prior to discharging. The construction standards and specifications provide information on dechlorination and chlorinated water disposal requirements.
  • Highly chlorinated water (water with chlorine levels greater than potable water used for disinfection purposes) must be discharged to the sanitary sewer system or per a preapproved plan. Discharges of highly chlorinated water require a dechlorination plan that must be approved by the Water, Sewers, Streets Bureau. The plan must describe how and where the water is to be discharged. Contractors must also sign and submit a dechlorination policy acknowledgement form.
  • Contractors need to provide advanced notice prior to discharging highly chlorinated water to the sanitary sewer system and may not commence any discharges until County staff is present to observe the discharge operation.

Enforcement action may be taken against responsible parties that fail to comply with this policy and cause an unauthorized non-stormwater discharge to the County’s storm drain system and/or waterways.

These requirements don’t apply to emergency situations and unavoidable discharges of potable water such as flows from fire fighting activities and water main breaks.

Contact Us

Water and Sewer Service
2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 800
Gerardo Perez
703-228-3677

Related Resources

  • New Water and Sewer Services Information and Application Package
  • Application for Water and Sewer Service
  • Water Service Installation Process
  • Water Rules and Regulations

Quick Links

  • Demolition or Removal of a Building
  • DFU Credit Application for Building Demolition 
  • Discharging Chlorinated Water
  • Fire Flow Tests and Fire Hydrants
  • New Water and Sewer Service
  • Permits
  • Utility Damage Prevention
  • Water and Sewer Construction Requirements 
  • Water and Sewer Materials List for Services 1-2 Inches in Size

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