ABOUT WATER CHLORINATION AND FISH, GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT PUBLICATION

Water flowing from your indoor and outdoor taps is chlorinated to kill bacteria and to help maintain a safe and reliable drinking water supply. While it is safe for humans and does not harm your lawn or garden, it causes breathing problems for fish.

Please take care when using any tap water outdoors-especially around catch basins and drains because they lead to our waterways.

The risk to fish is higher in the spring and summer months when lawn and garden watering is at its peak. In warm, dry weather, streams and creeks tend to have lower flows, which makes fish more vulnerable to chlorinated tap water. The best way to minimize the risk to fish from outdoor use of chlorinated tap water is to use water wisely. By following some simple steps you can protect the environment and help conserve water.

Here are some things you can do.

When using a hose:

• Use a spring-loaded spray nozzle to prevent water running unattended
• Teach your children not to leave hoses running and to avoid spraying into local waterways.

Lawn and Garden Watering:

• Avoid over watering because it can result in water overflowing into the storm drain system, which then goes to local waterways.
• Don't let spray or runoff from your sprinkler flow directly into streams or creeks adjacent to your home. Avoid over spraying or sprinkling on a windy day.
• Use a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler. This will not only help prevent runoff but will also help to conserve water.

Vehicle and Driveway Washing:

• Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down.
• Use a bucket and empty it onto the grass when finished. Remember neither soap nor chlorinated water will harm your plants.
• Use a spring-loaded spray nozzle, and where possible, wash your vehicle away from storm drains (grass or gravel surfaces are best).

Hot Tubs and Swimming Pools:

• Chlorine in tap water breaks down quickly in hot tubs and swimming pools, but many homeowners add their own disinfectant or chemicals. This water should not be discharged directly to storm drains.
• Before draining a pool or hot tub, let the water sit for several days to allow the chemicals to break down. Use a monitoring kit to check that no chemical is left in the water.
• Check with your municipality regarding bylaws on draining hot tubs and pools to lawns, gardens and sanitary sewers. Be careful to avoid runoff.
• When filling a pool or hot tub, set a timer to avoid overfilling and overflowing.

Water Main Breaks:

• If the service line to your house breaks or you notice a water main break at another location, immediately notify your local municipal engineeringdepartment. Water main breaks waste a lot of water and can result in chlorinated water reaching nearby streams.

Fish Ponds and Aquariums:

Chlorine can harm both fresh and saltwater fish.

• Fish hobbyists should be aware of potentially higher chlorine levels in the water and take the necessary precautions. Chemicals for chlorine removal and test kits are available at most fish and aquarium supply stores.

Further Information.

For more information about drinking water, the GVRD lawn sprinkling regulations or water conservation call the GVRD Water Information Line at 604-436-6899.
If you have specific questions about drinking water quality call 604-451-6010.
For other GVRD information or to order publications, contact:
GVRD Communications & Education Department
4330 Kingsway/3rd floor
Burnaby, B.C. V5H 4G8
Tel: 604-432-6339
Fax: 604-432-6399
E-mail: comm._ed@gvrd.bc.ca
Web site: www.gvrd.bc.ca