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Water Wise Pool Owner RICE CREEK WATERSHED D I S T R I C T D L/C(/ When the lakes of Minnesota thaw out it's time to fill the pool and get ready for a po- tentially hot and humid summer. Pools obviously use large volumes of water and chemicals, too. But you can own a pool and keep the environment in mind at the same time. During pool season be a good steward of our water resources by consid- ering these options: 1. Cover your pool to reduce evaporation of water and chlorine. It will also retain heat. 2. Consider installing a water -saving pool filter. 3. If you would like to reduce your chemi- cal use, alternatives such as ultraviolet light cleaners and salt water or ozone sys- tems are becoming more popular. When summer is over and it's time to drain the swimming pool, a few simple steps will help protect our surface waters. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has these guidelines: 1. Stop adding chlorine 3 days before you drain the pool. This will allow the chlo- rine to dissipate. A testing kit can be used to be sure the chlorine is gone. 2. It is best to drain water onto a lawn or other vegetated surface. 3. Make sure that the drainage rate is slow enough to allow the water to soak into the soil without running off into storm sewers, wetlands, other surface waters, or neighboring property. 4. Never drain into a storm sewer or street drain (these drain directly to lake, rivers, or streams without being treated) 5. If you cannot drain onto the lawn (small lot size, for example), contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency or your city to determine your options. That's simple enough. Of course, if a pool seems like too much work, there's always the 10,000 plus lakes ready and waiting. Recreation Programs Continued Geocaching Club May 1— August 31 Hugo Parks Find geocaches hidden throughout Hugo's parks for your chance at the grand prize drawing in September! Pick up your log book and cache clues at Hugo City Hall after May 1 to start your summer geocach- ing adventure! Park Play Days Tuesdays & Thursdays June & July 9:00am— 11:00am, 1:00pm— 3:00pm At your neighborhood park Join in fun games and activities for all ages in your neighborhood park! The cost is free, but a parent must be present or provide emergency contact information. For locations and activity schedule, follow the City's facebook or check the website. WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING e Worried about your next house payment? You are not alone. There is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL help. The Wash- ington County HRA, a HUD - approved counseling agency, offers fore- closure prevention counseling. Certified counselors can help you create a plan. Washington County HRA 321 Broadway Ave Saint Paul Park, MN 55071 www.wchra.com (651) 458-0936 Election Judges Needed', To learn how you can be a part of the next election, con- tact Hugo City Clerk Michele Lindau at 651-762- 6315.