To address these problems, Penn State Extension will present a "Safe Drinking Water" webinar in Spanish on Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 7 p.m. using Zoom. The aim is to provide Spanish speaking residents with the information they need to maintain a safe private water supply. This includes water obtained through a private well, spring or cistern.

Water coming from a public water company or authority must meet drinking water safety standards when it leaves the treatment plant. However, if someone owns a private well or spring, all management and testing is voluntary.

Common problems in private water supplies include bacterial contamination, sediment, lead, nitrate, iron, and corrosivity. Residents attending the clinic can learn how to avoid, detect, and treat the contaminants they are likely to find in their water.

The webinar will cover drinking water standards, proper well construction, land-use activities associated with individual pollutants, water testing, and water treatment. Private well owners should have a certified laboratory test their water for bacteria annually and for other chemicals at least every three years.

The clinic is free to attend, but registration is required by Monday, Feb 15. To register, readers may visit https://extension.psu.edu/understand-your-drinking-water-supply-in-spanish-language.