Wells sought for groundwater study

BLOOMING GROVE - The Pike County Conservation District is seeking the voluntary participation of private water well owners in a cooperative effort to establish a county-wide observation well network to monitor groundwater levels. Low use wells, such as wells of hunting cabins or infrequently visited seasonal residences, or wells that are no longer in use could be eligible for inclusion in this scientific study. From early 2007 through 2009 the water level of wells included in the network will be measured once a month by professionally trained hydro-geologists of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) working cooperatively with Conservation District staff. USGS scientists participating in this study have worked cooperatively with county agencies and citizens in other regions of Pennsylvania, in similar projects, to successfully establish and monitor observation well networks. The well network will track groundwater levels, including levels under drought conditions. The data collected will provide critical scientific information needed to support residents, local officials and resource conservation agencies in the short- and long-term protection of Pike County’s groundwater supplies, a natural resource on which visitors, residents and businesses depend entirely to meet their every day water needs. Anyone who would consider volunteering his/her well for this very worthwhile project, or is aware of another well that might be eligible can contact John Jose, Conservation District Watershed Specialist, at 570-226-8220 or jjose@pikepa.org for more information.