Anyone interested in learning more about the proper management of private water wells, springs and cisterns and who is willing to share the information with others, may want to apply for the Master Well Owner online course offered by Penn State Extension starting Feb. 8.

The Penn State Master Well Owner Network will provide free, online training for the first 25 volunteers who submit an application and are accepted into the program.

Individuals 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.) and must be willing to pass along basic private water system management knowledge to other private water system owners.

Registration deadline is Feb. 1.

Each accepted volunteer will receive seven weekly emails with links to short reading assignments and video presentations on private water system basics, testing, supply protection, treatment, conservation, and outreach strategies.

Course registrants can complete the course at their own pace from Feb. 9 to March 21.

A computer with a high speed Internet connection is recommended to view all of the course materials and videos.

Volunteers who successfully complete the training course and pass a short exam will receive a free copy of the 80 page publication, “A Guide to Private Water Systems in Pennsylvania,” a coupon good for a 10-percent discount on water testing through the Penn State water testing lab, and access to various MWON educational materials.

In return, MWON volunteers are asked to pass along what they have learned to other private water supply owners and submit an annual report of their educational accomplishments.

To learn more and complete an application, visit extension.psu.edu.