Stormwater Pollution & Swimming Pool Drainage

Stormwater Pollution

How is stormwater polluted?

Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow. It flows from rooftops, over paved streets, sidewalks and parking lots, and through lawns and storm drains. As it flows, runoff collects and transports soil, pet waste, salt, pesticides, fertilizer, oil and grease, litter and other pollutants. This water drains directly into nearby creeks, streams and rivers, without being cleaned at a wastewater treatment plant.

What are the dangers?

These contaminants pollute the creeks, killing vegetation and wildlife. Vegetation is necessary for stabilizing stream banks which minimize bank erosion, stream migration and property damage due to stream bank instability.

The only type of water that should be sent down the storm drain is rain water. Any water not directly produced by rain needs to go down the sanitary sewer so it can be treated.

Help Protect our Streams

The primary pollutant of concern in swimming pool water is chlorine or chloramine used as a disinfectant. This water, if discharged into the storm drain system, can be toxic to aquatic life.

  • Do not discharge chlorinated water into a street or storm drain when draining pools or fountains. If water is dechlorinated with a neutralizing chemical or by allowing chlorine to dissipate for 7-10 days (do not use the facility during this time), the water may be drained into your own yard or the stormwater system. You must test the pool water prior to discharge to ensure that chlorine is not present.

  • Federal standards also prohibit backwash water from pool and spa filters from going down the storm drain.

  • Never clean a filter in the street or near a storm drain.

Please take the proper steps before draining your pool. If you have a contractor maintain your pool, please make them aware of the City’s restriction.


How do I report stormwater pollution?

To assure our streams stay healthy and beautiful, the City of Mission Hills encourages its citizens to promptly notify the City or Johnson County of any observed pollutants in the storm drains. Reports can be made to the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program by calling their hotline at 913-715-6900.


Make a report when:

  • You see someone illegally dumping anything into the storm drain

  • You find dumped waste

  • The drainage system is flowing during dry periods

  • You notice discolored concrete next to a storm drain