The City of Simi Valley would like to remind all swimming pool and hot tub owners to obtain a City encroachment permit before draining these water features.

Residential swimming pools and hot tubs typically contain chemicals used to sanitize or cleanse the water. These chemicals (including chlorine and copper-based algaecides) can be damaging to the environment. The natural river in Simi Valley, the Arroyo Simi, is connected to City storm drains, so draining a swimming pool or hot tub to a storm drain is the same as draining it to the Arroyo.

Only rainwater is allowed to enter the storm drain system unless the drainage source is tested and is safe for the environment. The City may permit swimming pools and/or hot tubs to discharge to the storm drains if the water quality is within acceptable limits. Note that maintenance discharges from swimming pools or hot tubs, including acid wash, filter backwash, saltwater drainage, and plaster wastes, are sources of pollution and are not allowed. Saltwater pools cannot be discharged to the storm drain or street.

An encroachment permit is required to drain any swimming pool or hot tub. Applications are available at the City's Department of Public Works, City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, at (805) 583-6786. The permit is free. Unpermitted discharges may be subject to enforcement action, including fines and clean-up fees.

Questions regarding stormwater pollution prevention and discharge regulations may be directed to: the Environmental Compliance Program Coordinator at (805) 583-6424.