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. As a result, homeowners using a private well or spring must understand proper water supply management practices to ensure safe drinking water for their family.

In 2004, Penn State Extension and several partner agencies created the Master Well Owner Network (MWON) - a group of 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, over 600 volunteers have attended Saturday training workshops to be certified as Penn State Master Well Owners.

The next MWON volunteer training course will be held on December 14 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Neshaminy Manor Center, 1282 Almshouse Road, Doylestown, Pa.

Prospective volunteers need to submit an application and be accepted into the program. The December 14 training workshop will be limited to the first 30 accepted applicants.

To be eligible for this program, volunteers must NOT have any financial interest in private water supplies (i.e. work for water well drillers, water testing labs, water treatment companies, etc.) and they must be willing to share what they learn with their neighbors, friends, and co-workers. 

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.

To learn more about the program and to complete an application, visit the Master Well Owner Program Volunteer webpage or contact Bryan Swistock at 814-863-0194 or send email to: brs@psu.edu.

Here are a few comments from volunteers who recently completed the online course:

-- “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.)

11/11/2013