Energy Environmental Blog

OH: Study Finds Methane in Drinking Water Naturally Occuring

Written by Greg Russell | Nov 16, 2013 5:01:54 PM

The Akron Beacon Journal is reporting that a recent investigation by ODNR has concluded that methane found in drinking water was naturally occurring:  "An Ohio state investigation has determined that methane or natural gas in drinking water in northeast Portage County is naturally occurring, not tied to nearby drilling. *** The 25-page report from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources analyzed the well water of Jason and Debby Kline of Nelson Township."  It even had Gasland-like complaints of burning tap water:  "The Klines complained in December 2012 after Mrs. Kline reported that she had accidentally ignited methane mixed with her tap water while using a candle in the master bedroom."

For a copy of the report, see here.

[Update:  For a preliminary study in Carroll County, Ohio, reaching similar findings, see here.  "Preliminary results from a study of Carroll County residential wells show that hydraulic fracturing has had no impact on water quality. *** Amy Townsend-Small, assistant professor of geology at the University of Cincinnati, shared findings from the study with members of Carroll Concerned Citizens on Thursday evening."]