Science panel faults EPA fracking probe for excluding baseline water testing

fracking-siteThe EPA is being called to task for not doing the right thing in areas where hydraulic fracturing is in operation…

The Hydraulic Fracturing Research Advisory Panel, a unit of the EPA’s Science Advisory Board (SAB), published a report on January 7th calling out the EPA for not following a fundamental scientific protocol for a project that could adversely affect the drinking water in that area over time because…

They do not require baseline testing before a fracking begins.

That means they can cannot, with some level of certainty, say down the road that contaminants found in drinking water in that area are very likely caused by fracking.

That’s why we have been advocating for a long time that well owners in these areas do their own baseline testing followed by annual testing. That gives them the information they need to monitor the safety of their water and take specific corrective action if necessary. This normally means installing the appropriate treatment system to correct the problem.

While the EPA was remiss, according the scientists, we believe that well owners should be taking action on their own in any event.

We decided several years ago to offer a very affordable and very comprehensive drinking water test so that well owners can perform their own baseline testing regimen. Today, that test targets about 170 contaminants including:

  • Pathogenic Bacteria
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • Essential Elements and Heavy Metals
  • Inorganic Chemicals

We call this test the ‘Bang-for-the-Buck’ Essential Indicators Water Test. We made it very affordable—less than $150 for each test.

We made it very reasonable because we want well owners to take control and manage the quality of their water. Even in areas where there is not a fracking operation, well owners need to periodically test their water. That’s because if they don’t, no one else is doing it for them.

Click here to read the entire article

You can learn more about our water test by going to our web site. Here’s the link: ‘Bang-for-the-Buck’ Essential Indicators Water Test

Walton County FL: Private Well Water Contamination

florida-floodsDue to the recent floods in Walton County FL, the County Health Department is urging well owners to decontaminate their water. This is especially important if you use your well water for drinking, cleaning dishes, washing food or brushing your teeth.

You should boil the water for at least a minute to be sure that the health-related contaminants have been destroyed. You can also disinfect the water by adding 8 drops of unscented household bleach to each gallon of water. Let the bleach stand in the water for about 30 minutes. If it’s clear at the end of that time, it’s safe—however, if it’s cloudy you need to repeat the dosing.

Once the flood waters have receded, the Health Department recommends that well owners disinfect their wells. We think that is the right next step.

If you are like most well owners, you will either toss some bleach down into your wellhead or you’ll hire someone to do it for you…

BEWARE: taking either of these options will more than likely NOT get rid of the pathogens and other contaminants. That’s because bleach does not contain enough chlorine to attack the pathogens floating in the water. Most of the bleach will attack other organic material first, such as leaves and other visible debris. There won’t be enough chlorine to attack the free bacteria floating in the water.

We have prepared a short video that explains the science behind chlorinating a well. Even the well ‘experts’ do not really understand the science behind chlorinating a well. You can watch the video by going to this link:

http://drinkingwaterspecialists.com/www-get-free-video/

If you want to read the original article just follow this link:

Walton County Flooding