ROSSMOOR : Meeting to Explain Pool Drainage Policy

Orange County officials will meet with residents Thursdayto explain the reasons behind a county policy that requires swimming pool owners to get a permit before they are allowed to drain into the county’s flood control channel.

The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Montecito Center, 12341 Montecito Road.

The Rossmoor Homeowners Assn. is sponsoring the meeting after complaints from residents who were confused with the new permit, according to Shirley Bailey, president of the homeowners group.

“They just need to know what is the purpose of this (permit) and what is expected of them,” Bailey said.

Since last year, the county has required swimming pool owners to pay $100 for the three-year permit. It may be renewed after it expires for a $100 fee.

County officials said that chemicals in pools may follow the channels and end up in environmentally sensitive areas. They said the permit will give them more control.

Under the permit, the swimming pool owner has to notify the county environment management office 48 hours before draining the pool water into the channel. An inspector will come to check if the chemical level if acceptable.

A recent county survey showed that hundreds of homeowners have illegally installed drainage pipes from their pools to nearby channels and storm drains.

Several homeowners here have received letters from the county informing them to get the permit within 60 days or remove the connections to the flood control channel.