All owners of swimming pools, spas, fishponds and fountains must obtain a City Encroachment Permit before draining them.

Residential water features typically contain chemicals used to sanitize. These chemicals, including chlorine and copper-based algaecides, can damage the environment.

The natural waterway in the city, the Arroyo Simi, is connected to city storm drains. Draining a water feature to a storm drain sends the discarded water 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 water features to discharge to the storm drains if the water quality is within acceptable limits.

Maintenance discharges from water features, including acid wash, filter backwash, saltwater drainage and plaster wastes, are not permitted discharges. Saltwater pools cannot be discharged to the storm drain or street.

A free encroachment permit is required to drain any water feature. Applications are available at the Department of Public Works, City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road. Unpermitted discharges are discouraged and may be subject to fines and cleanup fees.

For more information, call Kevin Gieschen, environmental compliance program coordinator, at (805) 583-6462.