The state's lack of regulations about well location and construction has been a focal point of this debate.

The network of trained Master Well Owner volunteers represents a unique opportunity to gather important data about private water systems throughout the state and effectively disseminate research findings to homeowners that utilize these water supplies.

Because we are using Master Well Owner volunteers trained through Cooperative Extension, we can do this research project for a greatly reduced cost. There has been much debate about the cause of high contamination rates among private water systems in the state.

These results will help to determine whether well and/or septic system construction and maintenance regulations or routine testing of private water systems during real estate transactions would be helpful in reducing contamination and health risks to rural homeowners. Also, the results may shed some light on the importance of routine maintenance of private water systems and septic systems in preventing contamination. Such information would be valuable for Master Well Owner Network volunteers and Cooperative Extension to educate homeowners about protection and management of private water systems.

My church is in Hammond, my daughter and her family is in Hammond, my doctors are in Munster. Most everything I do is east of here.

We are encouraging people along State Line to put up more signs and make calls.