Residents of New Freeport, Pennsylvania have been without safe, drinkable private water since June 2022 following a reported frac-out at a nearby EQT well pad. Since then, residents have been forced to purchase pallets of water bottles or refill jugs at stores far from their homes in order to drink or cook. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reached a settlement with EQT in November allowing them to continue fracking – at the very same well that contaminated drinking water – without providing any solutions for impacted residents.
EQT has been providing some water in large ‘water buffalo’ tanks outside residents’ homes since September, but community members have heard that EQT may end refills. One resident told PublicSource, “if they take our water buffalo, we’ll have to drink the contaminated water. We can’t afford to pay for water.” Residents were informed they could continue receiving refills or a filtration system from EQT only if they signed a non-disclosure agreement absolving EQT of any wrongdoing.
This is a dire situation for a community that has been overlooked, marginalized, and silenced for over two years. Water samples collected as recently as this May continue to show high levels of methane and other contaminants that make private water unsafe for consumption. Southwestern PA has experienced extreme heat and especially dry conditions this summer. Without access to clean drinking water, residents’ lives may be put at risk.
Please consider donating to our water drive by clicking here and help us deliver an emergency supply of water to New Freeport as we continue to support their fight for a long-term solution.
