Drain your pool the right way or face a fine, that is the message from the city as the summer season winds down.
Londoners are being reminded to take the necessary steps when closing their pools for the summer to ensure water entering storm sewers is safe.
The water is not treated and flows directly into area streams and rivers.
Officials say you should use dechlorinating tables or stop chemical use two weeks prior to emptying.
"You could see a fish kill and there has been history across Canada where pools have actually attributed to killing fish, whether it's in a creek or a river," says London's Manager of Wastewater Treatment Operations Barry Orr. "Simply put, be aware of what the (chlorine) levels are so they don't harm the environment."
Orr says if you have a saltwater pool you can use the water on your lawn or around your house, but putting it in a storm sewer is also a bad idea.
If caught, you could face fines of upwards of $300.
