Master Well Owners Network: Training Volunteers to Safeguard Drinking Water
- Skill Level
- Beginner Intermediate
- Length Content Access
- 35
- Sections
- 6
- Length
- 6 hours
- Language
- English
- Note
- Potential volunteers must complete an application before registering. This course contains content similar to the Private Wells and Water Systems Management course.
More than three million rural Pennsylvania residents use a well, spring, or cistern as their primary water source. Pennsylvania does not regulate private water systems. Research has shown that more than 50 percent of these private water systems fail to meet at least one drinking water standard.
In 2004, Penn State Extension and several partner agencies created the Master Well Owners Network (MWON) to train volunteers dedicated to promoting safe drinking water in Pennsylvania.
Through the use of educational videos and readings, this course will teach you how to determine the proper location for a well, how to assess potential pollution sources, what types of testing should be completed and how often, and possible treatment strategies.
At the end of each section, you will take a quiz. Once you pass all of the quizzes (cumulative) with a 70 percent or better, you will earn a certificate, allowing you to join the Master Well Owners Network.
As a volunteer, you must be willing to attempt to pass along basic private water system management knowledge that you learn during your training to approximately 50 or more private water system owners within two years after you are trained. This education can be done by personal conversations, presentations, newsletters, fairs, or other methods.
All volunteers must promise to submit at least one accomplishment report every year to the MWON coordinator. This one - page report can be completed online or mailed to the coordinator. It should only take a few minutes to complete but is vital to the success of our program.
The Master Well Owners Network course is available at no cost, given that you agree to complete the course and adhere to the guidelines of being a volunteer. A volunteer must not be employed by any company that provides paid services to private water supply owners (i.e. water testing companies, water treatment companies, water well drillers, etc.).
To register for the course and become a volunteer, fill out the MWON application.
Once the MWON coordinator receives and approves your application, he/she will contact you and provide you with course start dates and access. Do not enroll in the course until after you fill out the application and receive an email from the coordinator.
Note: If would like to learn more about private water supplies, but do not plan to become a volunteer, please see the Private Wells and Water Systems Management course, which contains similar content but doesn't require you to become a volunteer.
- Anyone who wants to learn and educate others about the proper location, construction, and maintenance of water wells
- Anyone who has a private water well, spring, or cistern
You will learn how to:
- define different types of water supplies
- distinguish between proper and potentially unsafe locations for wells, springs, and cisterns
- give examples of common groundwater problems
- choose what type of water tests are appropriate for your water supply
- determine the best course of action to solve water quantity and quality issues
- join the Master Well Owners Network
What happens after I register for an online course?
Each registrant will receive an email with an activation link. The online course will be accessible from the "Account Dashboard" once it's activated.
What if I do not receive an activation e-mail after completing course registration?
Start by checking for the activation email from Penn State Extension in your spam folder. You may also resend the e-mail from your account dashboard by going to "My Account", finding the order that contains the online course registration(s), and clicking on "View Order". Click the "RESEND EMAIL" button.
How do I register for a course or make a purchase over the phone?
Contact our customer service team at 1-877-345-0691 for assistance over the phone. We are here to help on weekdays between 8:30am - 5pm Eastern Time.
How long does it take to complete an online course?
Every course is different. The estimated length for a specific course can be found in the course description. You can work through a course at your own pace. However, please keep in mind that you will lose access to the course one year after the purchase date, regardless of whether the course is complete.
Do I have to complete an online course within a certain timeframe? Will I ever lose access to an online course?
You can work through a course at your own pace, but access expires on the date indicated on your Account Dashboard, Online Courses page.
Are online courses graded?
Some courses are graded. Other courses are not graded. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a course is graded.
Do online courses have assignments or quizzes?
Online courses do not have assignments. Many online courses require you to answer questions and/or take quizzes, but not all courses do. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a specific course requires you to answer questions and/or take quizzes.
Do I receive any credits or certification for completing an online course?
Certificates are available for some courses, but not all courses. When applicable, certificates are issued upon successful course completion with a passing grade. The definition of a passing grade varies from course to course.
Certificates are available for some courses, but not all courses. When applicable, certificates are issued upon successful course completion with a passing grade. The definition of a passing grade varies from course to course.
Some courses also provide credits that can go towards professional certifications. None of the online courses offer credits that can go on a college transcript.
Please refer to the course description to learn if a specific course offers certificates and/or credits towards professional certification.
How will I access my certificate once I complete an online course?
Upon successful completion of an online course, you will be able to access your certificate by logging in and visiting the "Progress" page in your specific course. If a course is graded, successful completion requires you to earn a passing grade.
The definition of a passing grade varies from course to course. Once you register for an online course, please log in to learn about a specific course's grading criteria.
Also, keep in mind that not all courses offer certificates. Please refer to the course description to learn whether a specific course offers a certificate.
What materials will I need to complete an online course?
You must have internet access. Most courses do not require you to have any other materials, but it is best to refer to the course description to confirm. Although it is not required, if you wish to take notes, it is recommended that you have access to paper, a notebook, or a word processor.
Is there technical support for online courses?
Yes! If you encounter a technical error, such as problems with pages loading, video playback, or course appearance, please visit the "Contact Us" form using the link in the footer of this page. We will be glad to assist you.
Can I enroll in multiple online courses at one time?
There is no limit on the number of courses you can enroll in at one time. However, we recommend that you only enroll in the number of classes you are comfortable taking. Please remember that you can work on a course at your own pace but will lose access on the Expiration Date indicated in your Account Dashboard, Online Courses page, regardless of whether the course is complete.
What are the technical requirements for online courses?
You will need a computer or mobile device with internet access. Online courses are compatible with most up-to-date browsers. Cookies will need to be enabled in your browser settings. Sound is also recommended, but not required.
I am not a Penn State student. Can I enroll in an online course?
Yes! Anyone can sign up for a course. You do not have to be a Penn State student.
Will online courses go on a college transcript?
No. Online courses do not offer credits that can be transferred to a college transcript.
Who can take online courses? Are there any prerequisites?
Anyone can sign up for an online course! Some courses have prerequisites, but most do not. To find out if a course has a prerequisite, please refer to the course description.
Who are the online course instructors?
All online course instructors are Penn State Extension educators and/or Penn State faculty members.
Are online courses accessible for people who require special needs or services?
Yes. Penn State has specific accessibility requirements regarding online content, both to benefit learners and to comply with the law. We design online course content to meet those requirements.
What do I do if I have a question about a specific online course?
Please visit the "Contact Us" form using the link in the footer of this page. We will be glad to assist you.