Volunteer today and become part of the network!
A MWON volunteer discussing private water system management with a well owner
Pennsylvania is home to over one million private water wells and springs but it is one of the few states that do not provide statewide regulations to protect these rural drinking water supplies. In 2004, Penn State Cooperative Extension and several partner agencies created the Master Well Owner Network (MWON); trained volunteers who are dedicated to promoting safe drinking water in Pennsylvania through the proper construction, testing, and maintenance of private water wells, springs and cisterns. Since its inception, over 900 MWON volunteers have provided education to over 60,000 private water supply owners throughout the state.
In 2021, the MWON and Master Watershed Steward (MWS) program joined forces and the MWON training program is now an advanced training component of the statewide MWS program. In order to take the MWON training program, a resident must first be a trained Master Watershed Steward. Currently, the MWS program is offered in 42 counties across Pennsylvania with several programs accepting residents from counties without an existing program.
Learn more about how to become a Master Watershed Steward.
If you have any questions about joining the Master Well Owner Network, contact Jeremy Leaidicker at jxl6817@psu.edu or 570-666-9002.
Interested in volunteering? Please read this material about our volunteer requirements before you fill out an application.
Starting in 2021, anyone who is already a Penn State Master Watershed Steward (MWS) volunteer can also apply to become a Master Well Owner Network (MWON) volunteer. Existing MWS volunteers who are interested in learning more about proper location, construction, and maintenance of water wells and are interested in educating others about these topics are ideal candidates.
If you are interested in enrolling in our online training course, read below to learn more!
A general description of the online course is provided below. The course is entirely online and is offered each spring and fall to accepted applicants from the Master Watershed Steward program. The online course is self-paced over a 30 day period.
