Are you staying apprised of the "Tire Plant" electrical facility that wants to set up shop in Crawford County? They will be using 1.2 million gallons of fresh water a day to operate this plant.

They have claimed this water will come from either French Creek or the Geneva Marsh.

Citizens should watch the papers and be prepared to ask many questions pertaining to this issue.

Keeping your well area clean from junk and debris, along with keeping it accessible for maintenance is a good idea. (6)

Watch the use of pesticides and fertilizers, these are potential contaminants. New farming methods, such as no till, no cultivate, seem to use a lot of weed killer and pesticides; there is speculation as to the absorption of these chemicals into the ground water.

What do you think of this?

All good well maintenance is essential to you, your family’s and your horse’s health.

To prevent rodents, insects or surface contaminants from getting into the well, place a sanitary well cap at the top of the casing, and all casings should be at least 8 inches above the ground.

If you lose your well to pollution or contaminants, you are in for the hassle of your life.

You will have to drill a new one or find a spring or other water source. You will have to divert the run-off (pollutants) or install water treatment devices, such as filters and chemicals.

Local resident Ronnie Staab, from Espyville, has completed the Master Well Owner Training Workshop, sponsored by Penn State, at Headwaters Park in Erie, Pa.

He states the following: "It is very important for people to conserve their fresh water; it is not an endless resource. Worldwide, amounts and supplies of fresh drinking water are diminishing. Water conservation is imminent.

"Good, fresh water wells are like a buried treasure and should be treated as such."

Congratulations to Mr. Staab, he is now a "Master Well Owner."

Go on out and check your horse’s water right now.

Keep it clean, clean, clean and keep it fresh, and never take for granted your horse and his companionship, or the fresh water supply that both he and you must have in order to survive.

The information presented herein is meant as a guideline and not private well or fresh water analysis. Always consult a certified lab if you think your private well may be contaminated.

Enjoy the summer, folks, it goes by like a beautiful, green field, a glimpse of warmth and sun that will be gone like a rosy sunset before you know it.

Leaving you for now, to revel in the wonder of it all, to the immortal words of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, "Happy Trails to You."

(1, 2, 3) Best Management Practices for Private Water Systems: Guide to Proper Maintenance of Private Water Wells. Penn State Master Well Owner Network.

(4, 5, 6) Private Water System Management. Penn State Recommendations: Guide for Private Water System Owners in Pa., Penn State Master Well Owner Network.