Virginia Well Owner Network
If you are a Virginia Cooperative Extension agent interested in becoming part of the Well Owner Network or conducting a drinking water clinic, please contact the coordinator.
Who should consider being part of the Well Owner Network 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 quality regulations are only in place for public water systems. Virginia does have private well regulations, but these only cover initial location and construction of wells, not maintenance or testing 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 Well Owner Network volunteer, 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 also contribute to protecting the shared groundwater resource.
VWON training covers 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
Each volunteer will receive:
- A Private Water System handbook with background materials and educational resources
- Up-to-date information via our newsletter
- Access to tabletop displays, models, handouts, fact sheets, presentations and other resources for public education and outreach
Information for Applicants: