Important things to note if you are near a lease

Concerned Citizens of Medina County is working to make public information about the location of current and future leases. If there is a lease near you, you MUST test your water before drilling begins. The scientific consensus is that hydraulic fracturing can affect your water if your well is within 1000-3000 feet of a hydrofracking operation. Also, be aware of certain legal advice important to protect your health and safety.

Water Testing Documents

Guide to Water Testing
EPA approved labs list
EPA Primary and Secondary Standards

Water Testing

  • Water should be tested 60 days before drilling begins on your property or in your community
  • The testing should be from an independent (not drilling company suggested/owned) testing lab.
  • Lab should be certified with the state and certified in testing for organics, inorganics, metals, microbes, etc.
  • The lab should take the samples, not the property owner. Only when the lab takes the samples, is the report admissible as evidence in court
  • A property owner could test for a long list of items, which costs close to $1000. However, testing water quality for just a few items is sufficient to get a baseline. The minimum is:
  • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
        • Chloride
        • Barium
        • Strontium
        • Methane
  • More tests over time proves water quality
Source: NEOGAP (Northeast Ohio Gas Accountability Project)

Legal Information

If there is an injection well on your property and you don't put an exclusion in your lease, brine can legally be dumped on your property, per Mike Williams of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.