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Rural homes and farms in Pennsylvania rely on private wells, springs and cisterns for their drinking water. Currently, there are over 1 million of these private water systems in the state and approximately 20,000 new wells are drilled each year.
These systems are not required to undergo any water testing and they do not have to meet any drinking water standards set by the state. Surveys have indicated that many private water systems fail to meet drinking water standards. Families using private water systems should be aware of changing water quality issues and the best methods to protect their water supply.
For this reason, William E. Sharpe, professor of forest hydrology, and Bryan R. Swistock, extension associate, received funding through the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service to initiate a network of Master Well Owners throughout the Pennsylvania.
This two-year program will train 240 volunteers throughout the state on the subject of proper construction and management of private water systems. Volunteers of the Network will be required to attend a one-day workshop where they will be trained on topics such as well location, construction, and maintenance, land-use impacts/wellhead protection, springs and cisterns, drinking water standards and water testing, water treatment, and water conservation.
In total, eight training workshops will be held in various areas throughout the state based on the eight Penn State Cooperative Extension regions. Two training workshops have already been held and six more workshops will be held between August of 2004 and April of 2005. In return, Master Well Owners are asked to share their knowledge with homeowners and farmers using private water systems in their local community.
For additional information or to become a Master Well Owner, please contact Stephanie Clemens or call 814-865-2205.
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