Erin James

Virginia Master Well Owner Network TrainingOctober 29-30, 2008Harrisonburg Virginia

Conducting a Drinking Water Clinic

OverviewPlanning for and conducting a clinicReporting outcomes and impacts

Agent evaluation formFollow-up survey of clinic participants

Working with volunteersThe VAHWQP website and how to use it

www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu

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NEW!

The DWC Agent PacketAvailable at www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu or from EJ

Information for VAMWON agentsUSERNAME: hosting.vamwonPASSWORD: wellspring

IncludesInformation about planningTemplates for advertisingRegistration listDetails so you can answer participant questionsEvaluation form

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Basic Program

1. Kickoff Meeting

2. Sample Collection

3. Sample Analysis

4. Interpretation Meeting

Advertising

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8+ weeksConsider:

NewspapersFliersLetter to homeownersRadioHome/Ag Shows/Fairs

Seek donations or sponsorsAt this time, contact others to

participate:VDH Env Health SpecLocal SWCD, NRCS, USGS

Prep for Kickoff Mtg

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Pre-registrationNotify coordinator of anticipated

# participantsSample kits prepared at BSE

water quality lab: Two sample bottles Questionnaire Sampling instructions

Sample kits and coolers shipped to you 2 weeks prior

Powerpoint presentations, notes and talking points provided

Kickoff MeetingBrief presentation covering:

Common water quality problems in the areaResults/turnout from past drinking water clinicsHOW to collect a drinking water sampleWHEN to collect the sample and drop it offWHERE to drop the sample off

Consider handing out fliers with sample collection day, time and location

Distribute sample kits and collect payment

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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat will analysis include?

pH, hardness, chloride, fluoride, sodium, sulfate, nitrate, iron, manganese, corrosivity, copper, TDS, total coliform bacteria, E. coli bacteria

How many participants per clinic? Our incubator for bacteriological analysis can hold 350 samples

How much does it cost? $46. The same analysis a private commercial lab: $150-200. Priceless! Assistance for low-income folks is available through our grant.

How does payment/billing work? You collect payment from participants at the Kickoff meeting WQ lab will bill you for entire amount. Pay with an Interdepartmental

Service Request (ISR) to be assured the internal rate.

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Interdepartmental Service RequestBSE Water Quality Lab is a cost-recovery center

Internal vs. External rates

All county offices should have an operating fund code, which is used to set up an ISR, if you don’t already have one.

Questions? Contact:

Beth Ebel

eebel@vt.edu

540-231-7118

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Sample Collection - ThemInstructions

Stress instructions must be followed carefully or results are not accurate

“Raw” vs. “Tap” / before vs. after treatmentExtra samples are an additional $46.DAY and TIME sample is collected are very

important – bacteriological analysis must be done within 24 hours of collection

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Sample Collection - YouICE!Collection day

Recommend ~7 am – 11 am collectionAll sample bottles are numbered. Same number on the

questionnaire. Check match before putting bottles in ZIPLOCK bag, THEN cooler. Ice samples immediately.

Collect all questionnaires in envelopeDrive halfway between Blacksburg and your county to

predetermined location to transfer coolers to Water Quality Lab staff

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Sample AnalysisUs (BSE Water Quality Folks)

All samples analyzed for 14 constituentsReports compiled and printedMeasures to protect confidentiality – IRB approvalTakes a total of 4-6 weeks

You (Agents)Consider reminding participants of Interpretation

Meeting day, time and location Email Flier/postcard (template in agent packet)

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Interpretation MeetingBSE folks travel to your county

Distribute results to participantsPower Point presentation

Overview of results as a group Discuss what the numbers mean, compare to public standards Address eliminating possible sources of contamination Introduce treatment options

Answer questions

Consider inviting VDH, NRCS, SWCD

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Evaluation and Follow-upLead agent feedback form

Available online at www.wellwater.bse.vt.eduPlease complete and return to Erin

Statewide impact statement templateFollow-up postcard for clinic participants:

Will you test water more regularly?Will you change your behavior?Will you talk to others about your experience?

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Working with volunteersPlan to train 100 volunteers in 2009; 240 totalApplication and screening process

Interest; have well, spring or cisternNot affiliated with a water business

Volunteer expectations and policyAttend one-day training; minimum of 70% on post-testUnpaid, volunteer work onlyGeneral educational advice – no specifics!Willingness to try to educate 100 people

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VAMWON Responsibilities VAMWON Agents

◦ Conduct county-based drinking water clinics

◦ Educate local private water system owners VAMWON Volunteers can:

◦ Assist VAMWON agents with drinking water clinics

◦ Make presentations to church, service, and civic organizations

◦ Staff information booths at fairs, clinics, ag and home shows

◦ Maintain own water system as a good practices demonstration site

◦ Contribute to VAHWQP newsletter and website

◦ Share innovative education delivery methods with other agents and volunteers

◦ Assist with evaluating program impacts16

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