Become a Master Well Owner
If you are a Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent interested in becoming a Master Well Owner or conducting a drinking water clinic, please contact the coordinator.
Who should consider being a Master Well Owner volunteer and why? Anyone interested in learning more about proper location, construction, and maintenance of water wells, springs and cisterns, who is interested in educating others about these topics. Ideal volunteers have their own well, spring or cistern.
Why volunteer? In most states, including Virginia, drinking water regulations are only in place for public water systems. Virginia does have private well regulations, but these only cover location and construction of wells, not maintenance requirements.
Private water system owners often have limited access to information and resources about maintaining and protecting their wells, springs, and cisterns, yet are completely responsible for the safety of their own water supply. By becoming a Virginia Master Well Owner, you not only learn how to take care of your own water supply and system, but can share what you learn with others. Together we can build capacity to protect the water quality of Virginians dependent on private water supplies, and ultimately, improve their health, safety, and quality of life.
We are working to train 240 screened Master Well Owner volunteers and 70 Virginia Cooperative Extension agents across the state. Six one day workshops* will be held across Virginia and will cover the following topics:
- Proper Well Location & Construction
- Wellhead Protection
- Landuse Impacts
- Springs & Cisterns
- Drinking Water Standards
- Water Testing & Interpretation
- Solving Water Problems
- Water Quality Resources for Private Water Supplies
*Note that sessions for Virginia Cooperative Extension agents are 1.5 days long.
Each volunteer will receive:
- Several water conservation devices for your home and garden
- A Private Water System handbook with background materials and educational resources
- A subscription to our quarterly newsletter with news and information regarding private water supplies
- Access to tabletop displays, models, handouts, fact sheets, presentations and other resources for public education and outreach
- Free attendance to statewide meeting of Master Well Owners in Fall 2010.
Information for Applicants:
- Volunteer expectations and VAMWON policy
- Upcoming trainings and workshops
- Not a Virginia resident? Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia residents interested in becoming a Master Well Owner can click here to contact Mid-Atlantic Regional Coordinator.
- Contact a Master Well Owner near you.
If you rely on a well, spring or cistern for your water supply, you are responsible for the safety of your family's water! This means you should take steps toward maintaining and protecting your well and regularly test your water.
