Penn State Cooperative Extension in Butler County is offering a drinking water protection program for landowners who may be located near existing or future natural gas well drilling activity.

Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Extension Associate, will present gas well drilling basics, how gas wells can impact groundwater wells, regulations to protect private wells, potential water pollutants, testing strategies to ensure the safety of your water, how to collect water samples and interpretation of water test results.

The program will be held on from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Succop Theater on Butler County Community College's main campus. Cost is $5 per person. Registration is required.

Water test kits will be available at the program for participants to take home, collect a sample and return with payment the following morning to the Butler County Extension Office for free delivery to the lab.

Three water test packages specific to gas well sites will be offered at a 20 percent volume discount as part of this program. This water testing service through Penn State's Ag Analytical Services Lab is for educational purposes only.

To register for the program, contact Penn State Cooperative Extension in Butler County at 724-287-4761.

Penn State encourages people with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, contact Rodger Keith at 724-287-4761, Ext. 225, in advance of your participation or visit.

This program is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Consult an attorney.

Learn more about natural gas resource development in Pennsylvania at www.naturalgas.psu.edu.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, Extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.