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The WELL Project

The WELL (Water and Energy Learning Lab) Project is a science grant operated by the Springfield School District since 1998 and funded annually by the Springfield Utility Board. The grant supports hands-on instruction in the areas of water and energy science. Support comes in the form of teacher training workshops, development and implementation of new curriculum materials, assisting with classroom instruction, organizing and providing instructional support for field trips, funding for materials and equipment for science projects and recruiting, training and supervising the middle school and high school advanced water teams.

The program focuses on enhancing science education in our school district, and offers students opportunities to conduct field research and monitoring in local watersheds. The WELL Project is also another way Springfield Public Schools enhances science instruction in our community through experiential learning and hands-on training. 

Program Goals:

  • Develop and implement long-term watershed monitoring programs in collaboration with the Mckenzie Watershed Council and other local and state entities interested in protecting water resources in the community.
  • Provide students with an in-depth understanding of the issues and current methodology for  collecting high quality data related to water resource management.
  • Develop and maintain a state-of -the-art water lab to support the program.
  • Produce high quality, reliable data using small teams of students that are engaged throughout their time at high school (and in some cases middle school).
  • Tailor our programs to the needs of our partnering agencies.
  • Serve as an outreach tool to private stakeholders to engage them in watershed protection and restoration work.

For more information contact WELL Project Coordinator, Stephanie Lawless at (541) 988-5353, Thurston High School, 333 58th Street, room 133A, Springfield, OR 97478.

 


Free Community Well Water Testing

The Community Water Testing Lab, located at Thurston High School, offers free well water testing to the public. Tests are performed by students and results are mailed or emailed to customers within one week. The service is free to the public. We strive to produce reliable results. 

Appointments can also be made by contacting the WELL Lab at (541) 988-5353. 

  1. Customers will drop their well samples off at Thurston High School on the day of their appointment.
  2. The THS office is located on the WEST (front) Side of the building, facing 58th street. Please park in visitor parking.​ 
  3. It should be noted that we are not a certified lab facility. Results compare customers' water to levels recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water.  Individuals interested in this program must sign up to make an appointment.  
  4. The use of a sampling kit, which is provided by the program, must be used. 
  5. Free kit locations are in Springfield, Eugene, Leaburg, Lowell, Veneta, and Cottage Grove, and will be provided after making an appointment. 
  6. Please note that testing is conducted at Thurston High School.

 

Sign-up for FREE WELL Water Testing

 

Our Advanced Water Teams and Projects

Learn more about the focus of each of our teams and how students can join a specific project depending on their grade level.

In Stream Aquatic Survey Team  |  Water Quality Team  |  Well Water Team

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WATER TEAMS

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This project is made possible thanks to a generous grant from Springfield Utility BoardPowering Springfield's Growth.