Study Suggests Fracking Not to Blame for Water Quality Issues
A position paper created by the National Ground Water Association show that “no widespread water quality or quantity issues” have been found as a direct result of hydraulic fracturing.
In the NGWA’s position paper, Hydraulic Fracturing: Meeting the Nation’s Energy Needs While Protecting Groundwater Resources, the Association discusses that poor water quality may not be a direct result from fracking. The study shows that water contamination and other drinking water and/or groundwater issues are instead the result of faulty casing installations, unsealed wells, poor management, accidents, and other instances where unsatisfactory practices or processes take place.
In the paper, the Association explores ways to prevent any water contamination at fracking sites. Some of these solutions include: taking control of possible and current contamination sources, proper construction, routine and regular maintenance, correct sealing of abandoned wells, and constant monitoring.