Articles
Articles
Articles Learn about the Master Well Owner Network (MWON) online course that trains volunteers to teach about safe drinking water and the proper management of private water wells, springs, and cisterns. More
Articles Drinking Water Interpretation Tool (DWIT)
Bryan Swistock
Use this online tool to create a customized interpretation of complex data found on any water test report. More
Articles Spring Development and Protection
Bryan Swistock, William Sharpe, Ph.D.
Springs occur wherever groundwater flows out from the earth’s surface. Springs typically occur along hillsides, low-lying areas, or at the base of slopes. More
Articles Roadside Dumps and Water Quality
Bryan Swistock, James Warren Garthe
This publication addresses the complex issue of water quality as it is affected by solid wastes that have been mismanaged, including roadside dumps. More
Articles Windbreaks and Shade Trees
Bryan Swistock
This publication provides information for homeowners interested in using shade trees and windbreaks for energy savings. More
Articles Proper Water Well Construction
Bryan Swistock, William Sharpe, Ph.D.
Sanitary water well caps and a grout seal around the casing can prevent surface water contamination of water wells. More
Articles Fish for Pennsylvania Ponds
Bryan Swistock, Jay Stauffer, Jr., Ph.D.
Dozens of fish species are suitable for stocking in Pennsylvania ponds, but some species are usually more successful than others. More
Articles How to Store Water for Drinking or Cooking
Cathy F. Bowen, Ph.D., Bryan Swistock, William Sharpe, Ph.D.
Storing water for an emergency is simple, especially when the water is not contaminated. Here are some guidelines for storing water. More
Articles Managing Your Well During Drought
Bryan Swistock, William Sharpe, Ph.D.
Groundwater levels in wells vary over time. Water conservation and pump adjustments can help manage your water well during drought. More
Hydrogen Sulfide (Rotten Egg Odor) in Water Wells
Bryan Swistock
Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that gives water a distinctive “rotten egg” odor. Various treatment options are discussed in this article. More
Iron and Manganese in Private Water Systems
Bryan Swistock, William Sharpe, Ph.D.
Iron and manganese cause stains and tastes in water. They can be removed with several treatment processes described in this article. More
Articles Coliform Bacteria
Bryan Swistock, William Sharpe, Ph.D.
This article describes what coliform bacteria are, where they come from and how to remove them from drinking water. More
Articles Drilling a New Well
Bryan Swistock
A guide for private well owners on proper well location and construction. More
Articles Using Grass Carp to Control Aquatic Plants
Bryan Swistock, Jennifer R Fetter, Amy Galford, James Andrew Clark
This information explains how to use grass carp for biological aquatic vegetation control. More
Articles Common Water Test Parameters Related to Natural Gas Drilling
Bryan Swistock, James Andrew Clark
Water test reports of water near gas drilling activity generally have these common parameters. More
Articles Shock Chlorination of Wells and Springs
Bryan Swistock, William Sharpe, Ph.D.
Shock chlorination can be used to disinfect water supplies that have been contaminated as a result of a contamination incident. More
Articles Understanding Bottled Water
Bryan Swistock
Learn about the sources, regulations and management of bottled water. More
Articles Malting Barley in Pennsylvania
Alyssa Collins, Ph.D., Austin Kirt, Gregory W. Roth, Ph.D.
Demand for locally sourced malted barley, for local craft beer, has led to the development of malt houses in PA and other states in our region. More
Articles Interpreting Irrigation Water Tests
Bryan Swistock
Basic interpretation of how various water quality parameters can influence plant growth during irrigation. More
Articles Chain of Custody Water Testing
Bryan Swistock
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has a laboratory accreditation program for water testing labs to ensure data accuracy. More
Articles Pond Agencies and Permits in Pennsylvania
Bryan Swistock
Information on the role of various agencies and permits that may be required for construction or maintenance of earthen ponds. More
Articles Limestone Sand: Pros and Cons
Bryan Swistock, William Sharpe, Ph.D.
Limestone sand has come into wide use in the treatment of waters acidified by acid rain or acid mine drainage. More
Articles Water Conservation - How Much Water and Money Can You Save?
Bryan Swistock
Determine how much water you currently use and the amount of water and money you could save by installing water-conserving devices. More
Articles Roadside Springs
Bryan Swistock, Susan Boser, Mark Madden, Diane Oleson, M.S., Amy Galford, Gary William Micsky, James Andrew Clark
This article discusses a research study on the water quality and use of numerous roadside springs across Pennsylvania. More
Articles Testing Your Drinking Water
Bryan Swistock
Homeowners using wells, springs or cisterns as their water supply should consider having their water tested routinely. More