KINGSTON, R.I. – June 17, 2025 – In Rhode Island, private well owners are responsible for testing and maintaining the quality of their own well water.

To provide residents with information on private well water testing, treatment, and maintenance, water quality expert Alyson McCann with the University of Rhode Island’s Cooperative Extension Water Quality Program will hold a free program on Wednesday, July 9, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Cross’ Mills Public Library, 4417 Old Post Road, in Charlestown. 

This program is held in partnership with the Charlestown Conservation Commission and the Cross’ Mills Public Library. 

According to Shirley Griffin, vice chair of the Charlestown Conservation Commission:  “The Charlestown Conservation Commission considers our water quality to be of the utmost importance to homeowners throughout Charlestown, as well as our neighboring towns.  Charlestown is completely reliant on well water, and therefore, the care we take of our well water not only affects our own health but those of our neighbors, ponds and ocean.”

“Workshop participants will learn about substances that can affect well water, why they are a concern, how to arrange for a well water test, and well water treatment options,” says McCann. “Following the well testing schedule developed by the Rhode Island Department of Health helps private well owners protect their families and identify any potential problems. We will review what to test for and when, where to have the water tested, and discuss some basic well maintenance tips.”

To register, call the Cross’ Mills Public Library at (401) 364-6211. If you have questions, contact Alyson McCann at URI at alyson@uri.edu, (401) 874-5398. To get on the email list for URI Cooperative Extension programs, visit uri.edu/coopext/ and click on “join our mailing list.”