Improving Well-Being With Well Education

By Cole Sikes

Alabamians have a unique connection to water. Watersheds, rivers, lakes and coastlines are part of what makes Alabama beautiful.

The health of these water systems has a direct connection to human health. Many Alabamians have water access through private wells. To assist those responsible for private well water, Alabama Cooperative Extension System specialists created the Private Well Program.

About The Program

The Alabama Private Well Program was created in 2020 to help stakeholders with private water resources by delivering education and outreach services. Alabamians rely on these water resources, making this program imperative to thousands of stakeholders.

“This program engages with the public through the creation of resources housed on the Alabama Cooperative Extension System web page, webinars and in-person workshops,” said Jessica Curl, Alabama Extension water program coordinator. “In 2022, the available resources were expanded upon with the establishment of the Private Well Program Online Course.”

Curl said the online course introduces users to several topics in which participants learn about private water systems essential to proper well ownership and safety.

A Trio Of Resources

The educational efforts are threefold — an online course, webinar series and other online resources, including a handbook. Curl said these resources are essential for Alabamians responsible for maintaining, testing and treating well systems.

“Wells can become contaminated through failed maintenance, improper construction or poor stewardship practices around the well,” Curl said. “Access to these resources allows well owners to have a proactive hand in ensuring their water quality remains safe.”

Private Well Program topics and resources include the following: n Aquifers n Well construction standards n Water testing basics and interpreting results n Water well maintenance n Where to get water tested

A Trustworthy Team

The Private Well Program works with Extension personnel, researchers, agency partners and private well owners. This team delivers unbiased, scientific information to assess needs, identify issues, set research priorities and establish a network of well owners.

Educational topics and curriculum for the online course were developed through a statewide needs assessment for Extension personnel.

This dynamic relationship has proven successful after survey results determined 36% of staff received well water questions at least once a month. By listening to the communities’ needs, key components were inserted into program materials, ensuring residents have access to safe and reliable water resources.

Learn More

Visit aces.edu to learn more about the Private Well Program and its resources.