A free training workshop on proper management of private residential water wells will be offered by West Virginia University in November.
The workshop, coordinated by faculty in WVU s Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences and WVU Extension, will be held from 9 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10, at WVU Jacksons Mill near Weston.
Residents who rely on private water systems as their home drinking water supply may be at risk of drinking contaminated water,said Alan Collins, a professor of agricultural and resource economics in the Davis College.
In West Virginia, public drinking water supplies are the only water supplies regularly tested and protected against contamination,said Tom Basden, nutrient management specialist with WVU Extension.
The management of private water systems, including maintenance, testing, and treatment, is the voluntary responsibility of the homeowner, so residents need to take the proper measures themselves to ensure that their drinking water is safe for consumption,Basden explained.
This free workshop is offered as part of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Master Well Owner Network, a program intended to teach volunteers from across Mid-Atlantic region about proper management of their own private water system. In return, the volunteers must go out into their local community to educate others about the importance of proper management of private drinking water supplies.
During the training, well cover proper well location, construction, and maintenance, land-use activities associated with individual pollutants, drinking water standards, water testing, and water treatment,says Stephanie Clemens, coordinator of the Master Well Owner Network.
All volunteers will receive a handbook of educational materials, a certificate for completion of the training workshop, and access to regional water experts.
An application is required to participate in this workshop. Applications must be submitted by Monday, Oct. 15.
For more information, contact Stephanie Clemens, 800-375-6690, or visit the Master Well Owner Network Web site, http://mwon.cas.psu.edu/Regional.htm, for an application.
