UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- If you are one of the estimated 3 million Pennsylvanians who rely on a private well, spring or cistern, chances are the tap water you drink contains some form of contamination, say Penn State water resource specialists.

To address problems with private water supplies, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and the Environmental Resources Research Institute will offer a live satellite clinic, which will be downlinked in counties across the state from 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on March 27. Local programming may be offered at each site before or after the satellite broadcast.

There are about one million private water supplies in Pennsylvania, mostly springs and wells fed by groundwater, and about 20,000 new wells are drilled in the state every year. Studies show that between 60 and 70 percent of these private sources don't meet all drinking water safety standards. Because private water systems are largely unregulated -- and their owners have sole responsibility for their management -- water quality and quantity problems are all too common.

The satellite clinic is aimed at providing rural residents with the information they need to cost-effectively maintain a safe and plentiful water supply.

Common problems in private water supplies include bacterial contamination, lead, radon, nitrate, iron, acidity and corrosivity. Residents attending the clinic can learn how to avoid, detect and treat the contaminants they are likely to find in their water.

The clinic will cover drinking water standards, proper well construction and location, land-use activities associated with individual pollutants, water testing and water treatment. Water conservation and managing a private water supply in times of drought also will be discussed.

During the clinic, Penn State water resource specialists will offer tips and advice and will answer questions submitted via telephone and fax from the audience. At the downlink sites across the state, Penn State Cooperative Extension agents will be available for consultation.

The clinic is free to attend, but advance registration may be required. For the nearest downlink site, or for more information on maintaining a private water supply, contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in your county.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Bryan Swistock at 814-863-0194 or William Sharpe at 814-863-0291.

Contact:

Chuck Gill cdg5@psu.edu 814-863-2713 814-865-1068 fax