If people who have private drinking water sources want to have their water tested, it’s up to them.

The Penn State Extension is offered a Safe Drinking Water Clinic and free water testing.

Residents who get their water from private wells, springs, or cisterns are encouraged to attend the clinic at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the Youngsville Borough Building on Railroad Street.

“In Pennsylvania, over one million homes and farms get their drinking water from a private source,” according to a release from Ruth Valone at the Warren County Extension Office. “These homeowners are voluntarily responsible for testing and treating their own water. About half of the private water systems fail at least one drinking water standard, but many pollutants have no obvious indicators. The only way to be certain that water is safe to drink is to have it tested routinely by an accredited laboratory.

The clinic is being held in partnership with the Conewango Creek Watershed Association and Warren County Conservation District.

Support for the program is provided by the Master Well Owner Network grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Ground Water Association.

Workshops “will provide education on proper location, construction, testing, maintenance, protection, and treatment of private water supplies,” according to Valone. “Additionally, free onsite water testing will be provided to a limited number of households. Test results are not official but are offered for educational purposes only.”

“Water will be tested for bacteria, pH, total dissolved solids, and nitrate,” she said.

Pre-registration is required by Oct. 31, by visiting https://extension.psu.edu/safe-drinking-water-clinic or calling (877) 345-0691.

Questions about the clinics may be directed to Danielle Rhea, Water Resources Educator, at 814-849-7361 ext. 504 or drs5277@psu.edu.