EMPOWERING FLORIDA WELL OWNERS THROUGH EDUCATION AND WATER TESTING SERVICES
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Yilin Zhuang
Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent
University of Florida
Apopka
Abstract
An estimated 2.5 million Floridians rely on private wells for home drinking water. Unlike public water systems, private wells are not regulated. Well users are responsible for the management and protection of their wells. Limited public data exists on how many well users regularly test their water or drink from contaminated wells, posing a challenge to water sanitation and public health. To address this, UF/IFAS Extension developed the Florida Well Owner Network (FWON) to provide education and water testing to well owners. The primary goal of FWON is to educate well owners on best practices for private well and septic system maintenance, water testing, and groundwater protection. The program also seeks to improve water safety by helping well owners identify and address potential water quality issues and foster community engagement by connecting well owners with resources, workshops, and local experts. The program was conducted through a series of workshops, webinars, and online resources. These educational sessions covered topics such as private well and septic system maintenance, water testing procedures, interpreting water test results, and addressing common water quality issues. The program also provided fact sheets, blogs, and recorded webinars accessible through the FWON website. Since its launch in 2018, FWON has educated over 2,000 well owners through various workshops and webinars. Participants indicated that the program was helpful (79% very helpful and 21% somewhat helpful) and improved their understanding of private well and septic system management, and the importance of protecting Florida’s water. The program also encouraged more well owners to test their water regularly. Over 600 households had their water tested for bacterial contamination through FWON. Bacterial contamination was detected in 19% of samples during routine water sampling events and in 38% of samples after storms and hurricanes. Although annual bacteria testing is recommended, about 53% of participants indicated they had not tested their well water until FWON. In conclusion, FWON increased well owners’ knowledge of private well management and provided easy access for them to test well water quality and ensure drinking water safety. Future directions include expanding outreach efforts through collaborations with local communities and organizations.
Authors: Yilin Zhuang, Andrea Albertin
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Yilin Zhuang Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32703
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Andrea Albertin Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32351