About

• Hydraulic fracturing is used by natural gas producers to stimulate wells and recover reserves in coal beds and shale gas formations, states the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Oil companies also used hydraulic fracturing to recover oil from underground reserves. During the excavation process, toxic chemicals are sometimes released into the ground that may enter private water wells and lead to their contamination.
  
  

Allegations

• The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has collected reports dating back to 2001 from homeowners throughout the U.S. alleging that hydraulic fracturing due to oil and gas production near their homes contaminated their drinking water. Homeowners in Texas stated that their well water changed color, irritated their eyes and skin and had a foul odor. In some cases, livestock even refused to consume the water believed to be contaminated. Pennsylvania homeowners stated that their bath water smelled of powerful fumes, which aggravated their sinuses and eyes while bathing. In Virginia, homeowners found sediment and a dark oily film in their well water that turned it a brown hue.
  
  

Opposition

• Despite reports of homeowners alleging a possible connection between natural gas and oil drilling and water well contamination, companies refute these claims and deny the need for hydraulic fracturing safety regulations, states the NRDC. Opponents contend that no evidence exists to confirm that hydraulic fracturing has initiated private water well contamination and not defective well structure or some other cause.
  
  

Outcome

• Beginning in 2011 with consent and support of Congress, the EPA was scheduled to undertake a two-year, scientific study of the effects that hydraulic fracturing has on drinking water, human exposure and the environment. The study's purpose is to identify whether hydraulic fracturing has any impact on drinking water and if it's linked to well water turning brown and smelling bad. Information from the study will be used to determine risks associated of hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas extraction and how to mitigate them.
  
  The NRDC is advocating Congress adopt federal regulation that put in place minimum drinking water protections as they relate to hydraulic fracturing within the Safe Drinking Water Act as of December 2010.