Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2010ME199B

Improving Access to Wellwater Information: A Pilot Information Transfer Project

Institute: Maine
Year Established: 2010 Start Date: 2010-03-01 End Date: 2011-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $3,329 Total Non-Federal Funds: $23,175

Principal Investigators: Laura Wilson, John Jemison, Jessica Leahy, John Peckenham, Andy Tolman

Abstract: We will develop, deliver and evaluate multiple outreach methods to convince adults in Maine and other rural New England locations to test their private wells. These methods include participation in local health fairs, stand-alone wellwater workshops, community events, and/or adult education programs. We will partner with the student-generated data program GET WET!, and use new information about arsenic and fluoride in well water to better understand how the presentation of local contaminant information can influence homeowners decisions to test and treat well water. Through our evaluation process, we will determine which outreach methods were most successful, with the goal of using this evaluation information to develop a long-term statewide coordinated private well outreach effort.