Frac or Fiction: Frac’ing causes Tap Water to be Lit on Fire?

Last week we started a new blog segment. Today is the second post for Frac or Fiction. This new section will focus on debunking myths and confirming facts about the natural gas and oil industry.
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[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Despite what you may have seen or heard frac’ing DOES NOT cause tap water to be lit on fire.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Methane is prevalent in water sources across the United States. Because we operate heavily out of Susquehanna County, PA we hear many stories about Dimock’s water plagued with Methane.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Residents have always been aware of the “burning creek” and water with bubbles in the area well before any drilling or frac’ing was occuring near the town.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Frac’ing takes place a mile or more below the earth’s surface. To eliminate contamination, the area drilled is surrounded by multiple layers of steel encased in cement to seal any activities away from the fresh water.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The most popular “faucet fire” can be seen in the movie Gasland, but the director left a few vital details out.

Yes, the landowner in the film did light his tap water on fire.

No, the cause for the flames was notfrac’ing.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which tested the land owner’s water in 2008, said there were “no indications of oil & gas related impacts to water well.”
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The study showed that the methane was “biogenic” in nature, meaning it was naturally occurring; leading to the conclusion that his water well was drilled into a natural gas pocket.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Frac’ing is managed thoroughly during every step of the process. The oil and natural gas industry is regulated by the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act and many more many other environmental regulations to ensure that water will not be affected.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row animation=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Don’t let these rumors fool you…even the residents of Dimock will tell you:
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Sarah

Sarah was born in Lewistown, Pennsylvania- a small town in central PA. She is currently attending Pennsylvania State University majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management. She is presently working as an Intern in External Affairs for Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation. Sarah’s responsibilities include writing for Cabot’s social media, scheduling content and event planning.