The Penn State Master Well Owner Network and the Pennsylvania Water Resources Research Center are conducting the first statewide survey of private well owners across the state through the end of the year.

The purpose of the research study is to learn about the characteristics and management of private wells in the state along with homeowner opinions.

Pennsylvania is home to over one million private water wells that provide drinking water to over three million rural residents, with an additional 20,000 new water wells drilled each year.

Since all aspects of private well location, construction and management are voluntary, little is known about them and how they perform for homeowners. This makes it difficult to create educational programs to meet the needs of existing and future well owners.

Penn State University in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Water Resources Research Center is offering well-owners an opportunity to contribute through an online survey regarding private water wells. Participants must be Pennsylvania residents and at least 18 years old to complete the online survey, which should take less than 10 minutes.

Please do not fill out the survey if your water comes from a public (city) water supply or from a spring or cistern.

Questions can be directed to Stephanie Clemens at 814-865-2250.

10/7/2006