{"id":8545,"date":"2021-12-06T21:49:40","date_gmt":"2021-12-06T21:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/?p=8545"},"modified":"2024-09-20T20:25:25","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T20:25:25","slug":"alabama-private-well-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/alabama-private-well-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Private Well Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22.7″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

by Rachel McGuire<\/span><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/12\/Private-Well-Program-Logo.jpg” alt=”Private Well Program Logo” title_text=”Private Well Program Logo” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

WE SAT DOWN WITH JESSIE CURL, THE FACE BEHIND THE NEW ALABAMA PRIVATE WELL PROGRAM TO GET SOME ANSWERS TO SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING ALABAMA WELLS AND TO LEARN A LITTLE BIT ABOUT CURL HERSELF.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

The Alabama Private Well Program<\/a> was initiated in 2020 in response to a statewide gap in education and resources around testing and maintaining private well water quality.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

How many Alabamians\u00a0<\/span>acquire<\/span>\u00a0their drinking water from wells?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

According to the ADECA Office of Water Resources<\/a> 2015 Report,\u00a0<\/span>11%\u00a0<\/span>of Alabamians drink from\u00a0<\/span>well water<\/span><\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span><\/p>\n

What are\u00a0<\/span><\/span>common\u00a0<\/span>contaminants<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0found in Alabama well water?<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

Coliform bacteria, lead, iron, manganese,\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>nitrate<\/span>s. There are two types of contaminants:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>primary and secondary<\/span><\/span><\/a>. Primary contaminants, such as\u00a0<\/span>fecal\u00a0<\/span>coliform bacteria<\/span>, arsenic,<\/span>\u00a0and lead have health concerns. Secondary contaminants, such as manganese and iron, are considered an aesthetic or superficial problem.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

How do I sample my well water?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0It depends\u00a0on what you wish to test.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. If you are testing for bacteria(namely,\u00a0E. coli<\/i>\u00a0and total coliforms),\u00a0you will need to pick up\u00a0a\u00a0sampling kit at\u00a0your\u00a0county\u00a0public\u00a0health office<\/a>. This kit will include a\u00a0collecting\u00a0vessel\u00a0and\u00a0instructions\u00a0on how to\u00a0collect\u00a0your sample.\u00a0After returning the sample to the laboratory, a\u00a0courier service\u00a0will\u00a0then\u00a0take\u00a0your sample\u00a0from the county office,\u00a0to the lab. There are two\u00a0state-run\u00a0labs in\u00a0Alabama\u00a0that do this type of testing\u00a0located\u00a0in Mobile and Prattville.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Anyother type of well water testing needs to be conducted\u00a0through a private lab.\u00a0The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has a list of all certified laboratories in the state.\u00a0Certification\u00a0means that the lab has passed an annual inspection and uses EPA-approved testing methods.\u00a0Other labs, such as the\u00a0AU Soil, Forage, and Water<\/a>\u00a0testing lab,\u00a0while not drinking water certified, may still\u00a0be able to provide a screen of potential concerns.\u00a0Of interest to homeowners may be the W1:\u00a0Total Water Analysis\u00a0<\/i>option, which includes\u00a0screening for\u00a0routine elements\u00a0by ICP (Calcium,\u00a0Manganese, Iron, etc.),\u00a0pH, Nitrate-N, Electrical Conductivity,\u00a0Sulfate-Sulfur,\u00a0and\u00a0Total\u00a0Dissolved\u00a0Solids.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
    1. \n
        <\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        I have an old well on my property that I no longer use. Should I do anything about it?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

        Yes<\/span>!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>You should\u00a0<\/span>always\u00a0<\/span><\/span>decommission\u00a0<\/span>a<\/span>\u00a0well<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0if you\u00a0<\/span>do not plan to\u00a0<\/span>use it anymore<\/span>. With that said, the process is<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>more than just putting a cap on it<\/span>. Although<\/span>\u00a0there<\/span>\u00a0i<\/span>s no governing body<\/span>\u00a0in Alabama for decommissioning wells, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) has written\u00a0<\/span><\/span>well decommissioning gui<\/span>delines<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0Lastly, only a<\/span>\u00a0certified well driller can decommission<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>a well.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        What is the most exciting thing in the pipeline for the Alabama PWP?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

        The potential to host well water workshops across the state for the public<\/span>\u00a0as soon as mid-2022,\u00a0<\/span>especially\u00a0<\/span>along the coast and\u00a0<\/span>W<\/span>est\u00a0<\/span>Alabama<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        If there is one thing you can tell us about Alabama wells, what would it be?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

        You should\u00a0<\/span>get your well water tested once a\u00a0<\/span>year<\/span>, preferably<\/span>\u00a0in the spring<\/span>!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/p>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/11\/Brick-Well-Shutterstock.png” alt=”Brick Well” title_text=”Brick-Well-Shutterstock” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

        An example of a private well. Photo Credit: Shutterstock<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

        MEET AUWRC TEAM MEMBER, JESSIE CURL<\/span><\/h3>\n

         <\/p>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/12\/Jessie-Curl.jpg” alt=”Soil Judging Competition” title_text=”Jessie-Curl” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

        Jessica Curl (Jessie) began her Auburn University career in 2016 as an undergraduate in the College of Agriculture\u2019s Biosystem Engineering program. After her first semester, she decided to make a change. As Curl puts it, \u201cShe was called to science,\u201d and \u201cwanted to have a meaningful impact by translating science objectives to a broad audience.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Curl transferred to\u00a0the Environmental Sciences program housed in the\u00a0College of Agriculture<\/a>\u2019s\u00a0(COA)\u00a0Department of Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences.\u00a0It was during this time that Jessie\u00a0first\u00a0met\u00a0Dr. Eve Brantley<\/a>, the\u00a0Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES)<\/a>\u00a0State Water\u00a0Specialist and COA faculty member.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        During her\u00a0Sophomore\u00a0through Senior year, Curl worked in\u00a0Dr. Joey Shaw<\/a>\u2019s Soils\u00a0Characterization\u00a0Lab. Her duties involved a wide range of things\u00a0including, but not limited to processing samples,\u00a0scheduling\u00a0lab procedures,\u00a0completing lab\u00a0inventories,\u00a0conducting\u00a0field visits,\u00a0collecting soil\u00a0samples, running analyses. Her field sites were in Macon and Lee Counties within the\u00a0Coastal\u00a0Plain and\u00a0Piedmont. Sites were\u00a0agricultural fields and forested areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/12\/AU-Soil-Judging-Team-Curl.jpg” alt=”Soil Judging Competition” title_text=”AU-Soil-Judging-Team-Curl” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

        Curl with the AU Soil Judging Team. Photo Credit: Jessie Curl<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

        As a Junior and Senior,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Curl\u00a0<\/span><\/span>was part of the<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>A<\/span>uburn\u00a0<\/span><\/span>U<\/span>niversity<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Soil Judging Team<\/span>. The team competed in an\u00a0<\/span><\/span>annual<\/span>, regional event each fall to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>bring<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>together all the Southeast land-grant Universities. The AU\u00a0<\/span><\/span>T<\/span>eam took<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>home\u00a0<\/span><\/span>first\u00a0<\/span><\/span>place<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>at the event<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>her Senior year.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Curl considers her time with the Soil Judging Team to be the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>best part of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>her\u00a0<\/span><\/span>college experience<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/12\/Soil-Competition-Landscape-Curl.jpg” alt=”Soil Judging Competition Landscape” title_text=”Soil-Competition-Landscape-Curl” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

        The 2019 National Collegiate Soil Judging Competetion in California. Photo Credit: Jessie Curl<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

        During Curl\u2019s senior year, Dr. Brantley approached her about the intent for ACES to start a private well program.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Curl\u2019s favorite aspect of her role with the AU Water Resources Center is getting to work with such a talented team that has a vast impact across the state.\u00a0\u00a0\u201cI love providing a gateway for people interested in science to feel encouraged to participate in watershed protection and research. All of our\u00a0programs are able to reach such a broad audience, and\u00a0they\u00a0certainly give citizens the tools needed to make meaningful impact in their own communities.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Curl hopes to begin her master’s degree in 2022 with\u00a0Dr. Matt Waters<\/a>, leader of the Auburn Paleoenvironmental Lab studying the Choctawhatchee Bay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        When asked where she wants her career to end up in the future she replied, \u201cI want\u00a0to do what\u00a0Eve Brantley\u00a0does.\u201d After\u00a0chuckling a\u00a0bit,\u00a0she added, \u201cbut in all seriousness,\u00a0I want to be a program manager for a water\u00a0resources program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        In other words: She wants to be\u00a0like\u00a0Eve Brantley.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Curl certainly embodies the AUWRC theme:\u00a0\u201cBringing\u00a0Science to People\u00a0and People to Science.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Learn more about the Alabama Private Well Program.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/12\/Raingarden-Installation-Jess-Curl.jpg” alt=”Rain Garden Installation” title_text=”Raingarden-Installation-Jess-Curl” _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.13.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

        Curl during a raingarden installation at Wood Duck Nature Preserve in Opelika, AL with Alabama Watershed Stewards. Photo Credit: Bethanie Hartzog<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/auwrc\/” _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https:\/\/twitter.com\/AuburnWater” _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/auburnwater\/” _builder_version=”4.10.7″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][\/et_pb_social_media_follow][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        by Rachel McGuireWE SAT DOWN WITH JESSIE CURL, THE FACE BEHIND THE NEW ALABAMA PRIVATE WELL PROGRAM TO GET SOME ANSWERS TO SOME OF THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[111,155],"tags":[73,24,25,46,26],"class_list":["post-8545","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-outreach","category-wrc-blog","tag-drinking-water","tag-fish-water","tag-natural-resources","tag-water-quality","tag-water-resources"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8545","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8545"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8545\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8647,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8545\/revisions\/8647"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8545"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8545"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8545"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}