In this study, statistical analyses of post-drilling versus pre-drilling water chemistry did not suggest major influences from gas well drilling or hydrofracturing (fracking) on nearby water wells, when considering changes in potential pollutants that are most prominent in drilling waste fluids. When comparing dissolved methane concentrations in the 48 water wells that were sampled both before and after drilling (from Phase 1), the research found no statistically significant increases in methane levels after drilling and no significant correlation to distance from drilling. However, the researchers suggest that more intensive research on the occurrence and sources of methane in water wells is needed.

http://marcellusdrilling.com/2011/10/new-pa-study-no-link-between-fracking-water-contamination/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

FULL TEXT:

http://www.slideshare.net/MarcellusDN/the-impact-of-marcellus-gas-drilling-on-rural-drinking-water-supplies

In fact, the Duke study found NO EVIDENCE that fracking caused increased gas (if any) in water wells. It inferred that higher levels of gas found in water wells closer to gas wells was the result of well drilling in general, but did not attrbute it to fracking.

In my opinion. it’s gotten to the point that some opponents of gas drilling are now deliberately confusing fracking with drilling in the public mind, because “fracking” sounds terrible and better serves their propagandistic purposes.

The evidence nationwide is that gas well bore seal shortcomings (an old, relatively mundane problem) is now, as it has always been, responsible for increased levels of natural gas in the envirionment near gas wells.

Why don’t we all wait for the data? More opinions are redundant (we’ve heard it all before) and pointless.