The Penn State Master Well Owner Network will provide free, online training for the first 25 volunteers who submit an application and are accepted into the program. The registration deadline for this course is September 18.
If you are interested in learning more about the proper management of private water wells, springs and cisterns and you are willing to share what you learn with others, the Master Well Owner Program may be for you.
To be eligible for this 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 pass along basic private water system management knowledge to other private water system owners.
Each accepted volunteer will receive six weekly emails with links to short reading assignments and video presentations on private water system basics, water testing, water supply protection, water treatment, water conservation, and how to educate others.
Course registrants can complete the course at their own pace from September 28 to November 9. A computer with a high speed internet connection is recommended to view all of the course materials and videos.
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.
In 2004, Penn State Cooperative Extension and several partner agencies created the Master Well Owner Network; 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, hundreds of MWON volunteers have provided education to nearly 37,000 private water supply owners throughout the state.
Volunteers who recently completed the online course in spring 2015 said: “Excellent training- appreciated the book as well as the webinars to really emphasize the main points. Very well organized, I'm excited to share this information with others. The presentations were very informative--and very well done. Overall--I was impressed--well done!
“I thought the webinar format was suitable for my situation. The time allowed to complete the course was just the right amount. Any longer and participants may lose interest. Any shorter and they may feel rushed. Thanks to all who helped put this course together. I was astounded by the amount of information shared and wish every well owner would be educated about their responsibilities.”
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 asked to pass along what they have learned to other private water supply owners and submit an annual report of their educational accomplishments.
To learn more and complete an application, visit the Master Well Owner Network Training webpage.
(Written By: Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Specialist, Renewable Natural Resources, Penn State Extension, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and reprinted from the August 24 Watershed Winds newsletter from Penn State Extension.)
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