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
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