Conservation Council urges landowners to test well water before seismic exploration for natural gas

The Conservation Council urges landowners to protect themselves and their water supplies. Specifically, they advise that landowners should:

•   Accept any offer by gas companies to test well water;
•   Also have their well water quality tested by an independent, third-party accredited laboratory;
•   Test for parameters associated with hydrocarbon extraction they are concerned about future drilling and fracking around their wells; and
•   Monitor and record their well water levels.

The Conservation Council also urges the government to implement strong regulations that ensure the safety of residents’ water supplies.  According to the Council, it should be mandatory that:

•   Oil and gas companies test wells of any occupied and adjacent property before and after operations;
•   Tests be carried out by independent third-party laboratories and paid for by the companies;  and
•   Companies post a bond of sufficient size to compensate landowners and replace lost or contaminated water supplies.