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Increasing awareness of health risks through private water supply education and water testing​

Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources

Danielle Rhea
Extension Educator
Penn State Extension
Brookville

Abstract

Approximately 3.5 million Pennsylvanians rely on a private water supply for their household water needs (U.S. Census Bureau, 1990). While there are State and federal drinking water standards for public drinking water supplies, there are no statewide regulations for private water supplies. Testing, maintenance, and treatment of those water supplies falls solely on the responsibility of the homeowner. While some impurities aesthetically change the water's appearance, odor, or taste, most contaminants with the greatest health impacts are undetectable without testing. Extension surveys have found that 45% of private water supplies have never been properly tested, and of those that are tested, about 30% fail consistently for at least one health-based drinking water standard. To increase understanding of private water supply management and awareness of health-impacting contaminants, the Penn State Extension Water Team offered a combination of 65 in-person workshops and online webinars from 2021-2025. Program participants were provided a free drinking water test through an accredited drinking water laboratory for several health-based contaminants. From 2021 through 2025, 1,492 residents obtained free water tests. Across all water samples, there were 979 health-based failures (66%) and 899 aesthetic failures (60%). Program evaluations indicated that 99% (N=1,043) of participants learned at least some new information and follow-up surveys indicated that 80% (N=443) of participants took action as a result of participating in the program. Evidently, this program has provided education and water testing that has ultimately led to improving the safety of private drinking water in Pennsylvania. Funding for this program was made available from the Pennsylvania Department of Health cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Environmental Health Capacity building initiative.

Authors: Danielle Rhea, Susan Boser, Jennifer Fetter, Faith Kibuye, Brad Kunsman, Justin Mansberger, Leon Ressler, Jodi Sulpizio, Peter Wulfhorst, Andy Yencha, Beth Yount
  1. Danielle Rhea Extension Educator, Penn State Extension , Pennsylvania, 15825
  2. Susan Boser Extension Educator, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania, 15061
  3. Jennifer Fetter Water Resources Team Lead, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania, 17018
  4. Faith Kibuye Water Resources Extension Specialist , Penn State University , Pennsylvania, 16802
  5. Brad Kunsman Extension Educator, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania, 18360
  6. Justin Mansberger Extension Educator, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania, 15601
  7. Leon Ressler Former Extension Educator, Penn State Extension , Pennsylvania, 17601
  8. Jodi Sulpizio Extension Educator, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania, 17402
  9. Peter Wulfhorst Former Extension Educator, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania, 18337
  10. Andy Yencha Extension Educator, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania, 17013
  11. Beth Yount Extension Educator, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania, 19102