Learn about the proper way to discharge swimming pool water and find information on summer camps. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

1. News to Use Podcast May 4, 2011

2. Topics May 4, 2011: Proper discharge of swimming pool water. Summer camps.

3. Discharge Pool Water Improperly discharged pool water can have a negative effect on the overall environmental health of streams. Fish kills are the result of improperly discharged pool water. This also can cause the loss of aquatic insects that inhabit the stream system.

4. Discharge Pool Water Rapidly discharged water from pools can cause erosion of the stream bed and banks, especially in smaller receiving streams.

5. Discharge Pool Water Seven things that should be done prior to discharging swimming pool water on the ground, into a stream or storm drain: De-chlorinate the water by allowing it to stand untreated for at least seven days. Ensure that the water is at a neutral pH of about seven.

6. Discharge Pool Water Remove excess sediment and leaves from the water. Make sure the discharged water will not flood your basement or affect your neighbors’ property. Discharge the water so that it does not directly enter a storm drain or a stream.

7. Discharge Pool Water Discharge the water over a grassy area to help slow it down and aerate it. Discharge the water at a slow rate (over 24 hours is best) so it does not cause erosion. For more information, call Fairfax County Stormwater Management, 703-324-5500.

8. Summer Camps Neighborhood and Community Services: RECQuest, recreation programs for children in grades one through six in community centers throughout the county. Summer therapeutic recreation programs for ages 5 through 22 with disabilities.

9. Summer Camps Neighborhood and Community Services: Free summer meals program for kids provides nutritious meals to many of the children who receive free and reduced meals during the school year. Further information on any of these programs can be found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec.

10. Summer Camps Fairfax County Park Authority: Summer camps at RECenters, parks and other Fairfax County locations for ages 3 through teens. Rec-PAC is a six-week structured recreation program for those entering first grade this fall to those who finish sixth grade in spring 2011.

11. Summer Camps Office for Children: School Age Child Care (SACC) Summer Camp at many public elementary schools from July 5 to Aug. 19, from 7:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Monday – Friday, for children who will enter first to seventh grade this fall. Call SACC at 703-449-8989.

12. Additional Information www.fairfaxcounty.gov www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news www.fairfaxcounty.gov/opa/getfairfax 703-FAIRFAX (324-7329).