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Free Water Testing for Private Wells, Springs, and Cisterns in Berks County

By Penn State Extension

Feb 18, 2021

Have you ever had the drinking water from your well, spring, or cistern tested for lead and other health-related pollutants?  If not, here’s your chance!

Penn State Extension has received funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Health cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control, Environmental Health Capacity building initiative (Grant #1NUE1EH001414-01-00) and with support from the Penn State Master Well Owner Network to provide no-cost drinking water testing to a limited number of homeowners in Berks County using private water wells, springs, or cisterns.

Each water supply will receive testing through a PA DEP state accredited water testing laboratory for coliform bacteria, E.coli bacteria, nitrate, manganese, arsenic, lead and copper.  Registration will be limited to approximately 33 households.  Each household must own or rent a primary residence (no camps) in Berks County that uses a private well, spring or cistern for a drinking water supply.  Registrants are required to attend a one-hour initial webinar on May 17, 2021 at 12:00 pm ET to learn about the testing program.  After attending the webinar, homeowners will be able to pick up and drop off a water testing kit in Leesport. Further instructions will be provided during the initial webinar.  Optional follow-up webinars will be offered to provide interpretation of results and to answer questions.  Registration and further information for this testing programs is available online at https://extension.psu.edu/private-water-supply-education-and-water-testing-in-berks-county  or by calling 1-877-345-0691.

If you have any questions about this no-cost testing program, contact Jennifer Fetter at 717-921-8803 (phone) or [email protected] (email).

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