Groundwater near natural gas drilling sites in the Eagle Ford shale contains harmful bacteria, new research shows.
Methane Levels in Eagle Ford Water Insignificant
Researchers at UT Arlington's (UTA) CLEAR Lab are citing three new studies that show bacteria near natural gas extraction sites around Texas are dangerous and resistant to antibiotics and traditional forms of disinfection.
“Our latest published research has revealed that harmful bacteria can be quite prevalent in Texas groundwater, especially waters that contain various chemical contaminants.”
The researchers will be looking next at new treatments to remove the dangerous pathogens.
Over the summer, a study by the U.S. Geological Survey assessed the effects of oil and gas activity on water quality in several shale fields. Researchers concluded that these methane levels are not enough to significantly affect drinking water, though it might take decades to fully assess the situation.