It is human nature to immediately lay blame when something goes wrong. Such was the case in Franklin Forks, Pa., when a few families decided the poor water quality in their water wells was the fault of a natural gas well drilled thousands of feet from their property.
The gas well owner (WPX Energy) generously agreed to provide fresh water to the families while they performed an investigation of the cause of the water problems. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection also investigated. The results of both studies concluded the problems with the drinking water wells are not related to the gas drilling, but likely are due to other natural conditions and causes. Many factors can affect ground water quality, such as drought, flooding, seasonal variation, surface contamination, and even changes in barometric pressure.
It is no doubt frustrating when the quality of water from a well degrades; however, as demonstrated in Franklin Forks, it is important to allow experts to determine the cause before laying blame.
The continued insistence by one disgruntled well owner that gas drilling is to blame demonstrates an unwillingness to accept facts. Such attitudes make reasonable discussion of the potential impacts from gas drilling difficult, if not impossible.
This example is just one of the many obstacles we face in learning the facts about the development of natural gas as an energy source. Facts and science consistently indicate natural gas can be safely and responsibly developed to support our growing energy needs.
Thomas M. Johnson
Hydrogeologist
Glenville