Prepare your Pipes for Freezing Weather

Thinking about Spring? Now that the Fa-la-la is over and the light is slowly returning, we want to be done with winter. However, it isn't done with us. Temperatures are dipping this week.
Make sure that you are prepared for freezing weather:

1. Learn how to shut off the water supply to your house. If you have a pipe break, you will really be happy to know where to go.
   
2. Insulate all exposed pipes including outside faucets. Don’t forget pipes in unheated outbuildings, garages and pump houses. Cozy pipes mean having water available when it thaws.
3. Disconnect all garden hoses. Shut off and drain any outdoor water features or irrigation systems. If you washed the car during the warmer weather, don't forget about the hose!
   
4. Keep temperatures in the house to at least 55 degrees F. It won't hurt to make a plan, just in case the power goes out . . .again.
   
5. In extended cold weather let an indoor faucet drip slightly. Select a faucet that is on an outside wall furthest from the water meter. Of course, do this prudently. A dripping faucet can raise your water bill.

Don't be caught again by a deep freeze.

Public Hearing To Increase Noxious Weed Fee

Tonight, December 6 is a public hearing for the Kitsap County Commissioners to decide if the noxious weed fee assessed on homeowners is to be increased to a whopping $2.00 per parcel. That is, what, a half of a latte per year? Knowing that we love our lattes, even during the recession, what do we get for our buck (s)?

Kitsap County's Noxious Weed Program is run through WSU extension.We have our own six member noxious weed board and more importantly we have Dana Coggin as staff. Dana is weed warrior extraordinaire. She is out there chopping, pulling and poisoning noxious weeds everywhere. Since the mission of the program is to educate citizens and encourage citizens to protect the county against invasives, she shares the wealth. You too can be a Weed Warrior with Dana. She holds organized eradication "parties" with homeowners all across the county

What is the big deal about these weeds? These plants have accidentally found a home here and are overpowering our native species. These exotics cause mayhem in the environment. They reduce habitat for animals and birds, reduce property values and recreational opportunities. They clog waterways and even poison humans and animals. The noxious weed board determines which weeds are part of the "dirty dozen". These plants are aggressive and, well, noxious, but there is a glimmer of hope that they can be eradicated. For example, dandelions and Himalayan blackberry aren't on the list because they are so widespread that they are definitely part of our landscape for good.

WSU is soliciting your comments at tonight's hearing. To find out more visit: kitsap.wsu.edu/noxious_weed/index.htm

Join the Washington Green Schools Team

Is your child attending a Washington Green School? If she attends Armin Jahr, Breidablik, Orchard Heights, Silverwood or the Island School in Kitsap she does!

Washington Green Schools is a web based program offered to K- 12 schools to help them reduce their carbon footprint. This program is not only educational - it really makes a difference. Green School students learn, take action and act as leaders in their community.

The web site, www.wagreenschools.org, gives step by step instructions about how to get involved. Schools concentrate their main efforts on one environmental area for an entire school year. Choices are:

• Energy Efficiency
• Recycling & Waste Reduction
• Toxic Reduction and Indoor Air Quality
• Transportation and Outdoor Air Quality
• Water Quality & Water Conservation

To be certified, schools must earn 100 total points in their chosen category. Schools get 10 points for just signing up! Upon completion, the whole school celebrates by unfurling a Washington Green Schools Flag. Schools choosing, say, water conservation (my favorite), will complete an assessment to find out about their water source, how much water their school uses and who tests the health of their drinking water. After that they take action that makes a lasting change in water use at their school. The students then act as cheerleaders, inspiring their community to follow their example. Schools can continue in the same category in subsequent school years or choose a new focus.

Kitsap PUD is a sponsor of Washington Green Schools beginning in 2011. Part of this sponsorship is co-hosting a workshop to help teachers and other Green School team members learn more about the program. Urge your child's school to join other certified Washington Green Schools in Kitsap County. Consider being a Green Schools team member. A great learning experience with lasting results.