Penn State Extension has received funding to provide no-cost drinking water testing to a limited number of homeowners in Dauphin County who use private water wells, springs or cisterns. The Extension obtained funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Environmental Health Capacity Building initiative. The testing program also has support from the Penn State Master Well Owner Network.
Each water supply will receive testing through a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection state-accredited water testing laboratory for coliform bacteria, E. coli bacteria, nitrate, manganese, arsenic, lead and copper.
Registration will be limited to approximately 33 households. Each household must own or rent a primary residence in Dauphin County that uses a private well, spring or cistern for a drinking water supply. The program is not for water supplies at camps.
Registrants are required to attend a one-hour initial webinar on Monday, March 15, at noon to learn about the testing program. After attending the webinar, homeowners will be able to pick up and drop off a water testing kit in East Hanover Township. Further instructions will be provided during the initial webinar. Optional follow-up webinars will be offered to provide interpretation of results and to answer questions.
Registration and further information are available at https://extension.psu.edu/private-water-supply-education-and-water-testing-in-dauphin-county or by calling 877-345-0691.
Anyone who has questions about this testing program may contact Jennifer Fetter at 717-921-8803 or jrf21@psu.edu.
Anyone who anticipates needing any type of accommodation or who has questions about the physical access provided may contact the Extension office at 717-921-8803 in advance of his or her participation or visit.
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