Basic Water Education Publications and Resources
Through a USDA grant funded project, the ENRI Task Force of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, in collaboration with the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program, implemented a basic water education program geared to limited resource, low literacy audiences. This progarm was selected as a national flagship award winner through the USDA-CSREES Natural Resources and Environmental Management Program.
Simple, easy to understand print materials and teaching tools are a key component of the basic water education program, along with exhibit graphics and a video program. The six topics addressed include (1) well care and maintenance, (2) septic system care and maintenanace, (3) cistern care and maintenance, (4) waterborne illnesses, (5) agricultural best management practices and (6) water conservation.
This program was piloted in 20 Kentucky counties through the Expanded Foods and Nutrition Education Program, the Family Development and Management Program, and the Small Farm Program. Paraprofessionals and Extension agents utilized the materials in one-on-one and small group presentations. The materials have also been utilized in health fairs, field days and other events.
Listed below are titles for the 19 publications developed through this special project. The publications provide basic information. All publications are 1 to 2 pages in length, with many being tri-fold brochures. The print materials are geared to low literacy audiences, with most at or below a sixth grade reading level. To access a specific publication, click on the title in the list below. The links will take you to the PDF versions of the documents. To view the PDF files, you will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. If you'd like print copies of any of these materials, contact Ashley Osborne .
The video includes short segments addressing drinking water wells, cisterns, septic systems, waterborne illnesses and agricultural best management practices. The video is available for order at a cost of $20 per copy. To obtain your own copy, send check or money order to the University of Kentucky, Agriculture Communications Services, Instructional Video Library, RM 131 Scovell Hall, Lexington, KY 40546 or call 859-257-7218.
Display graphics and teaching easels related to the five major topics listed below are also available for loan to Kentucky Extension agents. The display graphics complement the publications and are designed to fit small display boards. Photos of the waterborne illness and water conservation exhibits are available for viewing. Follow the links below to access these photos. The teaching easels feature illustrations and narration text. They are best used in one-on-one education and small group presentations. If you are interested in borrowing display graphics or teaching easels, contact Ashley Osborne .
Drinking Water Well Care Publications:
- Do's and Don'ts of Taking Care of a Well
- Disinfecting Your Well (Summarized Instructions)
- What You Need to Know About Testing Your Well Water
- Taking Care of Your Well - Teaching / Lesson Guide
Cistern Care and Maintenance Publications:
- What You Need for a Cistern Water System
- What Material Should You Use for Your Cistern?
- Cleaning and Disinfecting a Cistern
- How to Get Safe Water from a Cistern - Teaching / Lesson Guide
Septic System Care and Maintenance Publications:
- What is a Septic System and How Does it Work?
- The Do's and Don'ts of Taking Care of a Septic System
- Your Septic System Isn't Working Right?
- Water Pollution from Sewage - How Does it Affect My Health?
- Septic System Use and Care - Teaching / Lesson Guide
Waterborne Illness Publications
- Can My Water Make Me Sick?
- Lead - Should It Worried About it in My Water?
- Bacteria
- Hepatitis A
- Can My Water Make Me Sick? - Teaching / Lesson Guide
- Waterborne Illness Exhibit - click to view photo
Water Conservation Publications
- Simple Steps to Conserve Water at Home
- Saving Water During Emergencies
- Simple Steps to Saving Water - Teaching / Lesson Guide
- Water Conservation Exhibit - click to view photo
Additional publications produced through the project:
- Having Problems with Your Water?
- Agriculture Water Quality Act: Your Responsibilities as a Landowner
- A Boil Water Advisory or a Boil Water Notice
This page is maintained by Ashley Osborne.
Email questions or comments to ashley.osborne@uky.edu.
Last updated: 02/26/2007
