Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a way of releasing naturalgas so that it can be used to produce energy. In recent years ithas become more popular as a way to harvest natural gas. Theprocess creates two byproducts, natural gas and wastewater. Whileit seems straightforward enough, there are countless considerationsand concerns, many of which affect homeowners and possible damageto their property.

Fracking is conducted by drilling down into a rock formationseveral thousand feet and injecting water and chemicals into therocks; this splits the rocks apart, releasing the natural gas whichis then captured and used for energy production. One of the mainconcerns is the waste water and its disposal. It can be injectedinto the ground or put into a lined pond and allowed to evaporate;there is generally too much water for treatment to remove thechemicals to be a viable option.

Injecting water into the ground has caused controversy as somepeople claim it contaminates the groundwater from which they drink,although the water is injected far below groundwater levels.Studies have shown that if the casings used to protect groundwaterfrom contamination aren't inserted or cemented correctly,contamination can occur. Contaminated drinking water has been foundnear fracking sites in Pennsylvania and Texas.