Water Quality in Westmoreland County
Without water we cannot survive. Protecting our water from contamination as well as using our water resources responsibly is critical. The rural lifestyle often includes having multiple water sources on each property including private water sources like a well or spring, septic systems to manage wastewater, and ponds. The Water Quality Educator with the Westmoreland Conservation District can provide information and programs related to drinking water, water conservation, pond management, on-lot septic, non-point source pollution, and Marcellus gas drilling and drinking water issues.
Drinking Water
More than one million private water systems exist in Pennsylvania, and 20,000 new wells are drilled in our state each year. There are no statewide drilling or management regulations for private water systems. Management of private water systems is entirely voluntary. Unfortunately, private water source owners are often perplexed about how to care for their water supply.
Contact us with questions about:
- Drinking water testing
- Understanding your water test report
- Drinking water treatment
- Livestock drinking water testing
- Irrigation water testing
Pond & Lake Management
Westmoreland County is home to a multitude of large ponds and small lakes found on farms, in fields and in the woods. Proper management of these is critical for watershed health as well as for recreational interests such as fishing, swimming, and aesthetic appeal.
Contact us with questions about:
- Aquatic plants & algae
- Fisheries
- Pond structure
- Pond water quality
- Pond water testing
Water Conservation
Water conservation is critical to ensure an adequate quantity of water for homes, farms, and businesses.
Contact us with questions about:
- Water Conservation Techniques
- Household Water Conservation
- Community Water Conservation
Marcellus & Water
With the potential for economic growth as a result of the Marcellus Shale Natural Gas industry, there is an urgent need to manage the natural resources that make these opportunities possible. We are educating landowners and community leaders with fact-based information about the water quality concerns resulting from the rapid growth of this industry.
Contact us with questions about:
- Water testing prior to gas drilling
- What you should test your water for
- Understanding your water test report
- What role the gas drilling company has regarding water supplies
- Water & wastewater management by gas drilling companies
Onlot Septic System Management
If you live in a rural area, it is likely that your home is not connected to a public sewer system. Onlot sewage treatment and disposal may be the only means of disposing of the wastewater from toilets, sinks, and appliances within your home. Management of onlot septic systems is up to you as the homeowner. Your knowledge and maintenance of the system will help determine if and for how long it functions properly or fails.
Contact us with questions about:
- Proper onlot septic system use and care
- Alternate onlot septic systems for replacement or new construction
- Roles & responsibilities of you, your municipality and PA Department of Environmental Protection
Dana Rizzo
District/Penn State Extension
Water Quality Education Specialist
Penn State College of Agicultural Sciences
A Guide to Private Water Systems in Pennsylvania
A manual for rural homeowners on the proper construction and maintenance of private wells, springs and cisterns
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
A Field Guide to Common Aquatic Plants of Pennsylvania
