If you are interested in learning more about the proper management of private water wells, springs and cisterns and you are willing to share what you learn with others, you might be interested in applying for the Penn State Master Well Owner online course being offered by Penn State Extension starting on September 30.

The Penn State Master Well Owner Network will provide free, online training for the first 25 volunteers who submit an application and are accepted into the program.

To be eligible for this program you must: 1) NOT be employed by any company that provides paid services to private water supply owners (i.e. water testing companies, water treatment companies, water well drillers, etc.); and 2) you must be willing to pass along basic private water system management knowledge to other private water system owners. 

The registration deadline for this course is September 20.

Each accepted volunteer will receive seven weekly emails with links to short reading assignments and video presentations on private water system basics, water testing, water supply protection, water treatment, water conservation, and how to educate others.

Course registrants can complete the course at their own pace from September 30 to November 11. A computer with a high speed internet connection is recommended to view all of the course materials and videos.

Volunteers who successfully complete the training course and pass a short exam will receive a free copy of the 80 page publication - A Guide to Private Water Systems in Pennsylvania, a coupon good for a 10 percent discount on water testing through the Penn State water testing lab, and access to various MWON educational materials.

In return, MWON volunteers are asked to pass along what they have learned to other private water supply owners and submit an annual report of their educational accomplishments. To learn more and complete an application, visit the following webpage.

Pennsylvania is home to over one million private water wells and springs but it is one of the few states that do not provide statewide regulations to protect these rural drinking water supplies.

In 2004, Penn State Cooperative Extension and several partner agencies created the Master Well Owner Network (MWON); trained volunteers who are dedicated to promoting the proper construction, testing, and maintenance of private water wells, springs and cisterns throughout Pennsylvania. Since its inception, hundreds of MWON volunteers have provided education to over 30,000 private water supply owners throughout the state.

Volunteers who recently completed the online course stated:

-- I believe people buying homes or properties with wells located on them should have this information prior to purchase. The problem is not many people are aware of the information that is available. Hopefully this course helps correct the problem.

-- Excellent opportunity, especially in light of the drilling operations surrounding Marcellus well development activities throughout the state and in the area where I live.

-- Very Useful information. The presentation format via adobe connect was very easy to work with.

(Written By: Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Specialist, Renewable Natural Resources, Penn State Extension, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, and reprinted from the Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.)

9/2/2013