Frequently Asked Questions

The sanitary sewer system collects wastewater from homes, businesses, and other buildings in sanitary sewer lines. It then flows to water reclamation facilities where the water is treated and released back into the environment.

The storm sewer, on the other hand, collects runoff from storms or irrigation, which then drains directly to our creeks, rivers, and lakes without treatment.

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Storm drains are connected directly to our waterways, including Big Dry Creek, Little Dry Creek, and Standley Lake.

When this water washes over yards and streets, it collects fertilizers, pesticides, oil, pet waste, and other pollutants. These pollutants then release excess nutrients into the environment, creating the perfect condition for excess algae growth.

Too much algae does more than just make fishing and swimming unpleasant - It can severely hurt our water quality As algae decay, they use up oxygen in the water that fish and other wildlife need to survive. This decaying not only potentially hurts the water's ecosystem, it could also make humans and pets sick.

See how you can help keep our waterbodies clean.

It's illegal to discharge swimming pool water into public space. Chlorinated swimming pool water may also not be discharged into the storm drain or ditches. Storm drains and ditches convey water directly to rivers and streams, and chlorinated water can kill aquatic life. The penalty is up to $1,000. Please select one of the following two options below for discharging swimming pool water properly. For guidance on draining saltwater pools, please call the Stormwater Hotline at 303-706-3367 or contact the Stormwater Division via email.

Option 1: Drain to a Vegetated Area on Your Property

Drain dechlorinated water to the grass/turf/or any area on your property that will allow the water to absorb into the ground, if and only if...

• You do not cause flooding of your neighbor's property or any other adjacent property.
• The land area is sufficient to prevent erosion and runoff into a ditch, creek, or other conveyance (i.e. storm drain).
• You do not cause harm to the environment. This water can be used to irrigate plants, saturate dry ground, or soak into mulched areas.
• Pool water may not be discharged into unpaved roads and alleys.

Option 2: Dechlorinate Pool Water Before Discharging Into a Storm Drain

Dechlorinate the pool water before draining it into the storm drain. Consider the following options for removing chlorine:

• Simply stop adding chlorine to your uncovered pool and wait. Sunlight will help to naturally dissipate the chlorine within 10 days.
• Chemically dechlorinate the pool water. Chemicals that will quickly remove chlorine are available through pool and spa care vendors. Follow the directions on the product label.
• Verify water is dechlorinated with a pool testing kit (<(less than) 0.1 mg/L).
• Pools may not be permanently connected to a storm drain or drainage channel.
• Never discharge filter backwash to the storm sewer system.

Pool water may be discharged to the storm drain only after all of the following conditions are met:

• Other disposal methods (i.e. landscaping) are not possible.
• The pool or spa is completely dechlorinated.
• The pH of the water is between 6 and 9.
• There is no discharge of filter media.
• There is no discharge of acid cleaning wastes.
• Discharge water will not pond or flow to neighboring properties.

If you have any questions or want additional guidance, please contact Stormwater Hotline via email or at 303-706-3367. If you see someone draining a pool into the street and you smell chlorine in the water, please report this to the Stormwater Hotline.

City of Westminster single-family water bills include a $6 charge per water meter. This fee covers the entire range of services including maintenance, construction of stormwater infrastructure as well as environmental compliance, flood control, facility inspections, and overseeing construction sites. This fee also pays for the City's free Hazardous Household Waste Program and street sweeping program.

Learn more about how water and sewer rates are determined.