NORWICH – Cornell University is conducting a baseline study of Chenango County well water to determine the amount of methane and dissolved solids in wells prior to any high volume hydraulic fracturing for natural gas.

The study by Cornell’s Soil and Water Lab will show if methane is present in a well and whether it is from biological or geological sources. The study will also look for dissolved solids such as barium and bromide that may be linked with hydraulic fracturing for natural gas.

Approximately 105 private water wells in Chenango County, five in each township, will be tested. The participating landowners will receive a report on the results of the test. The public will also have access to the findings, but to protect landowner privacy, the results will be released by townships on the Cornell Soil and Water Lab website, without well owner names and addresses.