Course Description

This course will help owners and operators of public water systems with a groundwater well better understand how to properly care for their water supply. By understanding the basic science of water wells and following best practices to maintain and protect water supplies, well owners will obtain the knowledge needed to extend the life of the well and help ensure the water remains safe to drink.


Continuing Education

Our course has been pre-approved for 2 hours of operator continuing education credit in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona*, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia**, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota**, Rhode Island, South Carolina*, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. 

* There is no pre-approval in these states, however we meet training requirements to offer 2 continuing education hours or PDHs.

** The course has been pre-approved for 1 continuing education credit as an online training.

See state-specific instructions to receive credit.

Steve Wilson

Steve Wilson is a groundwater hydrologist and 30-year veteran of the Illinois State Water Survey. Most of his research has been related to groundwater quantity and quality issues in the sand and gravel aquifers of Illinois. He authored the course curriculum in collaboration with the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and with funding from the U. S. EPA.

Course curriculum

    1. Introduction

    2. The Hydrologic Cycle

    3. What is an Aquifer?

    4. Video Transcript: What is an Aquifer?

    5. Additional Steps

    6. Chapter Quiz

    1. Introduction

    2. Groundwater Flow

    3. Pumping and Groundwater Flow

    4. How Do Wells Get Contaminated?

    5. Video Transcript: How Do Wells Get Contaminated?

    6. Quiz

    1. Introduction

    2. Understanding Your Situation

    3. What is a Bedrock Well?

    4. Video Transcript: What is a Bedrock Well?

    5. What is a Sand and Gravel Well?

    6. Video Transcript: What is a Sand and Gravel Well?

    7. What is a Dug and Bored Well?

    8. Video Transcript: What is a Dug and Bored Well?

    9. Common Points of Vulnerability

    10. Quiz

    1. Introduction

    2. Well vs. Water System

    3. Well Pumps

    4. Flowing Wells

    5. Pitless Adapters and Units

    6. Types of Pressure Tanks

    7. How Does a Pressure Tank Work?

    8. Video Transcript: How Does a Pressure Tank Work?

    9. Other Parts of Your System

    10. Quiz

    1. Introduction

    2. Correcting Poor Construction

    3. Operational Ideas and Suggestions

    4. Best Practices

    5. Abandoned Wells

    6. Quiz

    1. Introduction

    2. Emergency Situations

    3. Common Problems and Their Solutions

    4. Septic Systems

    5. Quiz

About this course

  • Free
  • 46 lessons
  • 0.5 hours of video content