By Susan Boser, Penn State Extension

Homeowners with private wells and Real Estate Professionals are invited to participate in free water testing webinars this fall through Penn State Extension.

Through a grant from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Penn State Extension is offering educational webinars and water testing at no charge to a limited number of well, spring, and cistern owners in PA.

It is the responsibility of private water system owners to have their water tested on a regular basis to be sure it meets drinking water standards and install any necessary treatment equipment.

Extension has found that nearly 45% of private water system owners have never had their water tested, and many only do so when they notice a change in the taste or appearance of the water.

Testing drinking water regularly is important to maintain a safe drinking water supply.

These webinars are being presented statewide and will include water testing done through Penn State’s Ag Analytical Services Laboratory, which is an accredited drinking water testing lab.

Water samples will be tested for pH, total dissolved solids, total coliform bacteria, E. coli bacteria, lead, copper, nitrate, and arsenic.

Schedule

There are three opportunities to participate in the webinars and water testing- September 1, October 6, and November 1 at 2:00 p.m. 

In order to receive a free water test kit, participants must live in Pennsylvania, must use a private water supply (well, spring, cistern) as their primary source of drinking water, and must attend a live webinar. 

Realtors and Home Inspectors who frequently work with clients purchasing homes with private water supplies are also encouraged to attend.

The number of registrations available for each webinar is limited, and participants may submit one water sample per household.

For more information about the webinars or to register, please visit the Extension’s Private Well Education and Testing.

(Reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

Upcoming Events:

-- September 8: Pond Twight Walks Start At Several Location In PA

-- October 4: Community Science Tool - First Investigation Of Stream Health (Recorded Webinar Available)

Related Articles - Extension:

-- Penn State Extension: Managing Your Drinking Water Well During A Drought

-- Feature: Native Plant Meadows Experience ‘Growing Pains’ -  By Kristen Koch, Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center  And  Emily Stambaugh, Intern, Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center

-- Importance Of Manure Application Setbacks For Protecting Private Drinking Water Well

-- DEP Opens Comment Period On State Water Plan Update

-- National Natural Resources Education Conference Coming To PA - Be A Sponsor

-- Penn State Master Watershed Steward Native Tree & Shrub Sale

[Posted: August 23, 2022]

8/29/2022