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Course Design Team

State Specialist
Bryan Swistock

308 Forest Res. Bldg.
Penn State University
brs@psu.edu
814-863-0194

Susan Boser
Beaver County
smw16@psu.edu
724-774-3003

Jim Clark
McKean County
jac20@psu.edu
814-887-5613

Stephanie Clemens
University Park
sso108@psu.edu
814-865-2250

Tom McCarty
Cumberland County
trm3@psu.edu
717-240-6500

Gary Micsky
Mercer County
gwm6@psu.edu
724-662-3141

Dana Rizzo
Westmoreland County
def18@psu.edu
724-837-1402

Peter Wulfhorst
Pike County
ptw3@psu.edu
570-296-3400

Webmaster
Melanie Barkley

Bedford County
meh7@psu.edu
814-623-4800


Water Systems Home Study Course

Welcome to the Penn State Cooperative Extension Water Systems Home Study Course information page! The next course will begin on October 29, 2008

Who Should Sign Up?

Anyone interested in better understanding and managing their home water system should sign up. Course is designed for home owners with well, spring, or cistern water systems.

What's In It For Me?
  • You will learn the basics of groundwater and how it affects your personal water system..
  • You will learn about water supplies and conservation techniques..
  • You will learn about proper water system construction and how to maintain your water system.
  • You will learn about how to protect your water supply, where to have your water tested and how to interpret the results.
  • You will learn how to solve water problems.

View lesson topics below

How Does The Course Work?

  • Lessons are emailed biweekly for six weeks.
    The first lesson will be emailed on October 29.
  • Read biweekly lesson materials and complete worksheet.
  • Return worksheet and any questions to Jim Clark at the McKean County Extension Office.
  • Worksheets ask questions about YOUR individual water system. You will receive personalized comments and suggestions for ways to improve and manage your water system.

Cost Of The Course: $35

For more information: Contact Jim Clark at (814) 887-5613 or email.

Click here to sign up

Lesson 1: Groundwater Basics

  • A Quick Look at Pennsylvania Groundwater (pages 1-7)
  • Lesson 1 Frequently Asked Question
  • Lesson 1 Optional Reading Materials

Lesson 2: Private Water Supply and Conservation

  • Household Water Conservation
  • Using Low Yielding Wells
  • Water System Planning - Estimating Water Use
  • Managing Your Well During a Drought
  • Lesson 2 Frequently Asked Questions
  • Lesson 2 Optional Reading Materials
 

Lesson 3: Water System Construction and Maintenance

  • Private Water System Management
  • Protecting Wells with Sanitary Well Caps and Grouting
  • Safeguarding Wells and Springs From Bacterial Contamination
  • Spring Development and Protection
  • Lesson 3 Frequently Asked Questions
  • Lesson 3 Optional Reading Materials
 

Lesson 4: Water Supply Protection, Testing and Interpretation

  • Testing Your Drinking Water
  • Water Test Results: What Do The Numbers Mean?
  • A Quick Guide to Groundwater in Pennsylvania (pages 8 and 9)
  • Lesson 4 Frequently Asked Questions
  • Lesson 4 Optional Reading Materials
 

Lesson 5: Solving Water Problems

  • Tips for Buying Water Treatment Equipment
  • Home Water Treatment in Perspective
  • Coliform Bacteria in Drinking Water
  • Bacteria in Drinking Water - Ohio Extension
  • Shock Chlorination of Wells and Springs
  • Lesson 5 Frequently Asked Questions
  • Lesson 5 Optional Reading Materials

Read at least one of these based on your own individual water problems

  • Nitrates in Drinking Water
  • Corrosive Water Problems
  • Iron and Manganese in Private Water Systems
  • Lead in Drinking Water
  • Water Softening
 

Lesson 6: Water Systems Case Studies

  • Case Study 1:
  • Case Study 2:
  • Case Study 3:

 

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

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Penn State | College of Agricultural Sciences | Cooperative Extension & Outreach

This page last updated Monday, August 11, 2008 20:25

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This publication is available in alternative media on request.
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Please e-mail us with your questions, comments or suggestions at Melanie Barkley .
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