What's the problem with fire sprinkler flushing?
California Code of Regulations (Title 19, Chapter 5, Article 4) requires that automatic fire sprinkler systems be serviced every 5 years. This process may involve draining and flushing the water from the pipes. Unfortunately, the water flushed from the pipes is stagnant and stale, and may contain bacteria and pollutants such as metals leached into the water from the sprinkler system.

When this water is flushed from the sprinklers, it is generally discharged directly from the building and onto the parking lot, where it may flow into the storm drain system and/or receiving waters such as a creek or lake.

The City of Poway is required per Municipal Permit 2007-0001 from the State Water Resources Control Board to prohibit discharges to storm drains and receiving waters, as well as to manage water quality. The city is also required per the Jurisdictional Urban Runoff Management Program to prohibit pollutant discharges to a storm drain conveyance system. In addition, the Poway Municipal Code, Section 13.09.020, also prohibits non-storm water discharges.

Show All Answers

1. What's the problem with fire sprinkler flushing?
2. What is allowed into storm drains? What happens when water is discharged from a fire sprinkler system?
3. What does this mean for me? How can I comply?
4. Whom can I contact to ask questions or report illegal dumping?