PrivateWellClass.org

Homeowners in small communities and rural areas of the United States without a public water supply often lack appropriate understanding of best practices for managing, operating, and protecting their private well. A free, step-by-step education framework has been developed to assist well owners and other stakeholders in understanding groundwater hydrology, well fundamentals, well care best practices, and finding assistance locally. It also helps well owners understand how to sample their well, how to interpret sample results, and what they can do to protect their well and source water from contamination. The program leverages web-based content, including video, an email newsletter, and social media marketing to reach and educate homeowners on this important health topic. Outreach to public health officials, well drillers and other stakeholders is a significant component of the project. The Illinois State Water Survey and the Illinois Water Resources Center, at the University of Illinois, have collaboratively developed the curriculum for this program, under contract with the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and with funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.