New study implicates Pennsylvania fracking wells in contaminated drinking water

Image: Hydraulic fracturing drill rig in Pennsylvania (Credit: Environmental Protection Agency)

A  recent study implicates leaking fracking wells in contaminating drinking water for dozens of Pennsylvanian homes, according to an a report from Live Science.  Researchers from Ohio State University made the connection using geochemical testing and tracked methane to several water wells.

Fracking wells are contained in multiple layers of cement and steel generally capable of safeguarding underground water. However, these protective barriers can fail due to damage.  It is estimated that Pennsylvania will gain as many as 100,000 fracking wells in the near future. Scientists believe their findings will promote treating affected wells and decreasing the chances of contamination at new fracking well locations.

Image: Image: Hydraulic fracturing drill rig in Pennsylvania (Credit: Environmental Protection Agency)