News [News Briefing]

WATER COMPANIES are warning that the development of a UK shale gas industry must not be at the expense of the quality of drinking water. They say that shale gas fracking could lead to contamination of the water supply with methane gas and harmful chemicals if it is not carefully planned and carried out. Dr Jim Marshall, policy and business adviser at Water UK, told the UK Shale 2013 conference that water companies want to work closely with the shale gas industry so the potential benefits to growth and employment are fully realised while protecting public health.