Closing your cottage? Conservation authorities ask you to consider doing it with nature in mind and protecting our sources of drinking water.
Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is offering up some advice on how to help avoid unnecessary expense, frustration and environmental problems.
As a tip, keep a list of things you do to close up the cottage so that reversing the list in the spring will be as snag-free as possible.
Plumbing:
• Shut off the main water supply
• Bring in the water lines from the lake and blow them out or drain them dry
• Clean all the fittings and pump parts
• Drain all the appliances in the cottage that use water: hot water heater, toilet tank, and pumps
built into your washing machine and dishwasher
• Add RV antifreeze to all traps in toilets, sinks and shower lines
• Check your septic tank but avoid pumping just before closing the cottage. The volume of water
and bacteria are usually enough to prevent freezing
Hazardous waste:
• Check your municipality’s website for hazardous waste collection days which often go late into
the fall for cottagers
• Gather up all of the half-empty and thickened old cans of paint, preservative and other
chemicals and make take them to the municipal hazardous waste disposal site
Outside:
• September and October are good months to plant trees, shrubs and perennials for strong
growth early next spring
• Store canoes and boats away from the shoreline. Otherwise, it kills natural vegetation where it
is needed most
Planning Ahead:
• Get an early start on plans for shoreline work; permits and finding suppliers can take time
• Consider joining your lake association. It will keep you informed on everything from water
quality to fire routes to cottage election issues
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