The WORD from Harrisburg
More than 1 million Pennsylvanians rely on private water supplies, including many of us here in Blair County. In fact, the only state with a larger population served by private wells is Michigan; however, there is a concern by many that with Pennsylvania being one of only a few states with no regulations pertaining to these wells, that the water quality could be contaminated or otherwise compromised. In fact, according to research, more than 50 percent of all water wells in the state fail to meet at least one safe drinking water standard.
Clean, safe drinking water is essential to the health of you and your family, and by learning some basic information and performing some simple routine maintenance, you can help protect your water supply.
To help educate homeowners on how best to keep their private water wells problem free, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 7-8 p.m. Those wishing to participate can do so from the comfort of their home through the computer. To register, visit my website at
www.JerryStern.com and click on the DEP Webinar Registration banner. The webinar will include information on how to avoid malfunction, prevent contamination, conserve water and reduce waste flow for on-lot septic and private water systems. Featured speakers will include representatives from the Pennsylvania Master Well Owners Network and DEP’s Bureau of Point and Non-Point Source Management.
High quality water is a priority and I encourage anyone with a private well to take the time to learn how best to manage your system and ensure that your water is as safe as possible for consumption and usage.
Those individuals unable to participate in the water wellness webinar can visit DEP’s website for additional information; just go to
www.dep.state.pa.us and click the “DEP@Home” button on the homepage.
The webinar on private water wells is one in a series of webinars offered by DEP to educate families about improving their overall health and that of the environment. Other webinars planned for the future will focus on energy conservation and radon testing and mitigation.
State Representative Jerry Stern
80th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
tlehman@pahousegop.com
717.772.9840