Aquatic facilities

Find out about the requirements for discharge of water from commercial swimming pools and spas to the wastewater system.

Classification and acceptance

Backwash and drainage from domestic swimming pools and spas are not considered as trade waste and are not permitted to be discharged to sewer. For disposal options, please contact your Local Government Authority. Backwash and drainage from “Aquatic Facilities” as defined in Health (Aquatic Facilities) Regulations 2007 (WA) must apply for a Trade Waste Permit prior to connection to sewer and meet all applicable trade waste requirements.

Requirements

• Wastewater discharge from sand bed filters may not require settleable solids arrestor. The need for an arrestor will be determined on a case by case basis.
• Wastewater discharge from other mediums, including diatomaceous earth filters, must discharge to a settleable solids arrestor prior to discharge to sewer. This is required to ensure that any diatomaceous earth is removed and does not cause blockages in the sewer network.
• The instantaneous discharge rate to sewer must not exceed Water Corporation's specified discharge limits. An appropriately sized backwash tank may be required.
• The level of chlorine is not to exceed Water Corporation's current limit of 10 milligrams per litre (as residual chlorine).
• Trade Waste Quality Quantity usage charges and installation of a Trade Waste Monitoring Point (as per Typical Drawing HX33-20-00) may be required. This requirement will be assessed as part of the Trade Waste Permit approval process.
• In regional areas, it may not be possible to accept aquatic facilities discharge to sewer due to its salt loading on the wastewater treatment system. This will be assessed as part of the Trade Waste Permit approval process.
• Discharges other than filter backwash, such as pool drainage for maintenance, need prior approval. You must notify us at least 7 days prior to the proposed discharge.
• Wastewater disposal from float tanks is not permitted to be discharged to sewer due to the high salt content.