Did you know that Pennsylvania is home to more than one million private water wells and springs, but is one of only two states that lack statewide regulations to protect private drinking water supplies?  (Alaska is the other state)

To raise awareness about how to care for private water supplies and help keep drinking water safe for families, Penn State Cooperative Extension and several partner agencies created the Master Well Owner Network in 2004. 

Over the years, they have trained hundreds of volunteers who are dedicated to promoting the proper construction, testing, and maintenance of private water wells, springs and cisterns throughout Pennsylvania. 

Since its inception, MWON volunteers have provided education to more than 35,000 private water supply owners throughout the state.

Here's your chance to become a Master Well Owner!  The Penn State Master Well Owner program (MWON) is accepting applications for new volunteers for its fall 2014 online training course. 

The course is limited to the first 30 eligible applicants who apply, so don't delay.  The course will start on September 29 and continue through November 10. 

If you are interested in learning more about the proper management of private water wells, springs and cisterns and you're willing to share what you learn with others, consider applying for the Master Well Owner online course!

To be eligible for the Penn State Master Well Owner Network 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 share what you learn about basic private water system management with other private water system owners. 

Registration for this course will close once 30 eligible volunteers are enrolled.  Course participants can complete the course at their own pace from September 29 to November 10.   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 expected to pass along what they have learned to other private water supply owners and submit an annual report of their educational accomplishments. 

For more information, visit the Penn State Extension Master Water Well Owner webpage.

(Reprinted from the August edition of Water Policy News from the PA League of Women Voters Water Resources Network)

8/25/2014