URI to offer well water protection program on Cox 15 in January

KINGSTON, R.I. — December 22, 2006 — To help private well owners protect their drinking water supply, the University of Rhode Island is sponsoring a television program that will be broadcast on Cox channel 15 in January.


Entitled “Private Drinking Water Well Testing and Protection,” the program will air on Mondays at 10 p.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. throughout the month.


“Many private well owners do not realize that they are responsible for testing and maintaining their private drinking water wells,” said Alyson McCann, who coordinates URI’s Home*A*Syst Program. “Even fewer are aware that they should be testing their well water annually. This program will provide private well owners with information to make informed decisions about protecting their drinking water supply.”


One in 10 Rhode Islanders rely on private wells for their drinking water supply.


The program contains interviews, graphics, and footage of a well being drilled to help viewers understand the importance of private well protection. Interviews with experts highlight how regular testing, maintenance and good housekeeping practices are vital to protecting private drinking water supplies.