Last Updated on March 24, 2025 by Stella Canfield
Floridians who rely on private wells and septic systems now have access to a valuable online resource to ensure the safety and maintenance of their household water.
Water resources regional specialized agents Yilin Zhuang (Central District) and Andrea Albertin (Northwest District) have spearheaded a comprehensive website tailored to private well and septic system owners across the state. The Florida Well Owner Network (FWON) website serves as a hub of information, offering resources on private wells, septic systems, water quality, disaster preparedness and more.
“Private well owners are responsible for managing their water systems, but private wells and septic systems aren’t intuitive,” says Zhuang. “We developed this website to provide well owners a centralized hub where they can easily access credible resources to help them safeguard and maintain their wells and septic systems.”
The website is a key component of FWON, an Extension program and collaborative effort that supports Florida’s broader goals of water quality protection and public health promotion. Its website plays a critical role in educating well owners, improving water safety and fostering community engagement with a variety of resources, including:
- Educational materials such as fact sheets, publications and videos on proper maintenance and maintaining water quality
- Expert guidance on well construction, repair, maintenance and troubleshooting, and
- Disaster preparedness in cases of hurricanes and other extreme weather events.
FWON was established to address the unique needs and challenges that Florida well owners face. Its mission is to educate Florida well owners, facilitate access to well water testing services, offer information about treatment options when needed, and complement ongoing efforts by partnering with agencies to promote best practices for wells, septic systems and drinking water quality.
“We are here to help Floridians understand their private wells and septic systems, and to protect one of our state’s most precious resources – water,” says Zhuang.
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