While staying at the DDRS, visitors should check the water well to verify that the control panel in front of the solar panels is getting power. If the pump is not running, the red light will be on, but stationary. If the pump is running, the panel will indicate the number of watts being used, the level of water in the tank, and whether the pump is currently on and pumping water. The system is automatic and should not need attention. However, if attention is needed, get the small step-ladder from the utility building and look in the storage tank. The well will not turn the pump on unless the water level is low enough that the float is out of the water. If the pump does not turn on automatically, lift the float and lower it back down. When turned on, the pump will pump air for a few seconds then start pumping water. While the pump is on, the light on the panel will be travelling from the bottom of the well diagram to the top. After the tank fills, the well pump will shut off and the stationary light near the top of the control panel will indicate a full tank.
Before departing from the station, it is the responsibility of the users to clean the kitchen, including sink, stove, tables, and stainless steel counter tops. Do not use abrasive cleaners on the stainless steel. A spray can of stainless steel cleaner is available in the kitchen. Bathrooms, dorm, sleeping porch, laboratory, and conference/computer room should be cleaned, swept and mopped.
When preparing to depart DDRS, follow these steps:
Close and lock all windows.
- Check all appliances. If you turned them on, turn them off.
- Accessory refrigerators and freezers should be turned off using the internal dial, but not unplugged. Prop their doors partially open to prevent fungal growth. The kitchen refrigerator is to be left on at all times.
- Remove all perishable materials, as refrigeration cannot be guaranteed between visits.
- Remove trash from all cans and discard off site. Place new plastic liners in trashcans.
- Change the hot water heater to vacation mode (hot water closet is the northeastern closet in the screened porch).
- Lock the screened door to the screened porch from the inside. Lock the building door to the screened porch.
- Lock all outside doors in both buildings.
- As you exit the DDRS lock the fence gate.
Upon departure any problems identified during the stay at DDRS should be reported to the DDRS Director or the Department of Biology Chair as soon as possible.