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BACKGROUND: Approximately 15% of households in the United States rely on private wells for drinking. Households on private wells are responsible for managing their own water supply. Because well owners can live in rural, dispersed areas, their ability to access well-related resources and information can be limited. We explored well water knowledge, attitudes, and practices as well as information needs and preferred methods of information delivery among private well owners in Arkansas, Indiana, and Oklahoma.
METHODS: We conducted six focus groups (two in each state) with private well owners. Participants completed pre-focus group questionnaires that asked about their well testing practices, information needs, and preferred methods of information delivery. The focus group moderator used a semi-structured guide to ask participants about their sources of information about wells and how they would like to receive information. Participants were provided state-specific information packages at the end of the session.
RESULTS: Forty participants completed a pre-focus group questionnaire. Half (47%) had never tested their well water; the most common reason was because they did not know where to send the sample (35%). Factors that would cause them to consider testing their water included a change in odor (73%), taste (70%) or color (70%). Forty-one participants attended a focus group. Focus group themes reiterated the questionnaire findings and included not knowing where to get information about well testing and maintenance. Participants had differing opinions regarding whether they would prefer to switch to municipal water if it were available. Barriers to switching to municipal water included cost-related concerns, as well as the perceived inferior taste, smell, and possible adverse health effects from municipal water. Participants formed connections within the focus groups, with more experienced well owners often providing advice to newer well owners. In addition, the focus groups seemed to cause participants to become more interested in their well. Participants welcomed the information packages that were provided. Participants indicated that mail, hotlines, and public meetings would be good ways to receive information about wells and to share concerns with other well owners.
CONCLUSIONS: Using focus groups provided us with an in-depth understanding of private well owners’ information needs, barriers, and preferences, while also providing a forum for information sharing between community members. Messages to homeowners regarding private well testing and well stewardship might be most effective if they include traditional methods of communication (e.g., mailed newsletters, phone calls, community meetings, etc.).