Copper Sources and Management Strategies Clearinghouse

 

 

 

Copper Sources - P2/BMPs

Stormwater Runoff

Vehicle Brake Pads
Architectural Copper
Pool/Spa/Fountain Algaecides
Copper Pesticides
Industrial Copper Use
Soil Erosion
Mobile Cleaning
Vehicle Washing
Vehicle Services

Discharges to POTWs

Copper Piping Corrosion
Industrial Copper Use
Cooling Towers
Printing
Vehicle Services

Shoreline Activities

Marine Anti-fouling Coatings
Copper Algaecides
Site Source Control, Design, and Waste Management

 

 

 

 

Pool/Spa/Fountain Algaecides

Copper-based pesticides can be used as algaecides in pools, spas and fountains. The vast majority of applied copper is collected by a pool's filtering system, or bound to pool, spa, fountain walls and fixtures. However, an unknown fraction remains in the water. When pools, spas and fountains are drained (an uncommon event) to storm drains, copper, chlorine, sediments and other contaminants may be introduced to local creeks and San Francisco Bay. A properly maintained pool, spa and fountain will reduce the need for algaecides and for draining.

Stormwater Control Measures

The fraction of applied copper discharged to storm drains is unknown. Due to copper's efficient binding to solid surfaces, one estimate is that less than five percent of algaecide copper used in this application is discharged to storm drains. Since the mid-1990's, SCVURPPP has conducted outreach about copper-containing algaecide use and pool water discharges. Outreach efforts, which have targeted residential pool owners and pool maintenance professionals, discourage the use of copper and encourage copper-free alternatives (e.g., hypochlorite containing shock treatments).

Wastewater Control Measures

SCVURPPP recently developed model source control measures for pools, spas and fountains. These measures require that there be no direct discharge of pools to storm drains or sanitary sewer manholes and recommend that pools be drained to the sanitary sewer through a clean-out. However, sewer discharge may need prior POTW approval. Many POTWs have sewer ordinance provisions that prohibit the discharge of potable water and stormwater. High volume discharges to septic systems can cause system washout and failure.

Best Management Practices

Best management practices information sources for pools, spas and fountains include:

California

  • SCVURPPP- Draining Pools & Spas: Keep Pool, Spa and Fountain Water Out of Storm Drains, Creeks and the Bay - This two-page information sheet prepared by SCVURPPP discusses why draining pools, spas and fountains to storm drains can pollute creeks and the Bay; provides information on maintaining pools without copper algaecides; provides proper cleaning techniques and discusses how to properly drain pools and spas to sanitary sewer clean-outs. This information sheet updates the brochures entitled Keep Your Pool, Spa, or Fountain Copper-Free .
  • CASQA- Fountain & Pool Maintenance - This fact sheet developed by the California Stormwater Quality Association provides detailed procedures for preventing or reducing the discharge of pollutants (e.g., copper) to stormwater during fountain and pool maintenance activities.
  • Stormwater Best Management Practices - This fact sheet developed by the City of Long Beach, California discusses why draining pools, jacuzzis, fish ponds, and fountains to storm drains can pollute creeks and the ocean. It also describes discharge options and how to maintain a pool without copper algaecides.