Water Testing Labs

Gas well drilling can impact groundwater resources that are the source of water for household water wells and springs.  A single gas well can produce hundreds of thousands of gallons of waste fluids during drilling and during years of gas production. As gas well drilling operations increase in size and scope across Pennsylvania, environmental concerns about their effects are also growing.

CWM Environmental
11931 State Route 85, Kittanning, PA 16201
724.543.3011
www.CWMenvironmental.com
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Some basic testing parameters are:

• Periodically test your private water supply for quality and quantity.
• Here is a list of certified state testing labs:
  http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/drinking-water/water-testing/testing
• Become informed about when and where drilling will occur near you. The following DEP resources will assist you.
  • eNotice: Register to receive notice of gas well permits in your area. (www.dep.state.pa.us/enotice/)
  • eMap: This service maps proposed well sites. (http://www.depgis.state.pa.us/eMapPA/)
  • eFacts: After drilling starts, monitor inspection reports and violations. (http://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eFACTSWeb/)
• Just say no to seismic testing: The process of seismic testing can impact water supplies.
• Have your water assessed for quantity and quality both before and after drilling. Use a DEP certified lab, and do not do this testing yourself--- ask that the lab send a technician to perform the testing. At a minimum, testing parameters should include:
  • arsenic
  • barium
  • benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX)
  • calcium
  • chlorides
  • hardness
  • lead
  • manganese
  • magnesium
  • methane
  • methylene blue active substances (MBAS)
  • oil and grease
  • sodium
  • strontium
  • total dissolved solids (TDS)
  • total suspended solids (TSS)

Water quality monitoring

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Can't Afford to Have Your Water Tested?
Here's a group that might be able to help you.
ShaleTest.org is a non-profit organization that will collect environmental data, and provide environmental testing to lower income families and neighborhoods that are effected by natural gas exploration.