How does fracking affect water contamination?

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Fracking can contaminate water supplies if it is not done properly, because the fracking fluid injected into rock to enable gas to be released often contains chemicals.

Is fracking safe EPA?

The results of a five-year study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency demonstrate conclusively that safe fracking – and its associated operational components – does not threaten our drinking water.

Does fracking produce toxic waste water?

18, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Fracking has already raised the ire of environmentalists for its effects on the planet, but new research sends up another red flag: The wastewater produced by the complicated oil and gas drilling process is loaded with toxic and cancer-causing contaminants that threaten both people and …

What does the EPA say about fracking?

EPA has found scientific evidence that activities in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle can impact drinking water resources under some circumstances. Impacts can range in frequency and severity, depending on the combination of hydraulic fracturing water cycle activities and local- or regional-scale factors.

Does fracking lead to contamination of groundwater?

Additionally, the process of fracking with any agent brings with it the production of „deep brines‟ in the gas well which can contaminate groundwater.

Is fracking harmful to your health?

Fracking sites release a toxic stew of air pollution that includes chemicals that can cause severe headaches, asthma symptoms, childhood leukemia, cardiac problems, and birth defects. In addition, many of the 1,000-plus chemicals used in fracking are harmful to human health—some are known to cause cancer.

Why is fracking exempt from Clean water Act?

The EPA and industry long maintained that fracking did not need federal oversight under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The EPA used the law to protect groundwater from other industrial activities, such as disposal of oilfield wastewater as part its Underground Injection Control (UIC) program.

How dirty is fracking?

In addition to water quality issues, fracking wells release compounds into the air, such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene and n-hexane; long-term exposure to these has been linked to birth defects, neurological problems, blood disorders and cancer.