Groundwater Wells
GROUNDWATER WELLS
The Problem
More than 3 million Pennsylvania residents rely on drilled wells, hand-dug wells, cisterns and even roadside springs for drinking water. Pennsylvania is one of the few states in the country without statewide regulations governing private well location, testing and treatment. Water pollutants in water that can affect health often show no signs (taste, color, odor), and
The Solution
Your drinking water begins as rain or snow and ends at the tap in your home. With about 20,000 new wells being drilled each year and rapidly changing land use, information on proper maintenance of private water supplies becomes a necessary part of a homeowner’s education. Private water systems should be tested annually for total coliform bacteria. Independent water testing by a certified laboratory can help homeowners avoid purchasing unnecessary water treatment equipment.
Resources
- Understanding Private Water Systems
- Water Supply Basics Introductory Video
- Learn about groundwater in Pennsylvania
- Water wells
- Managing Your On-Lot Drinking Water Well [pdf]
- Ground source heat pumps
- Groundwater symposiums
- Monitoring and data
- Source water protection for public water systems
- Policy and guidance
- Groundwater remediation
- Drought
- Links to other groundwater protection organizations or programs
For more information about Groundwater Wells, Diane Oleson at 112 Pleasant Acres Road, York, PA 17402. Phone: (717) 840-7429. E-mail djo13@psu.edu. Web http://york.extension.psu.edu/
