The Ferrugia's water contamination problem

Dave Ferrugia and his wife live near Jamestown, NY and have not been able to drink their well water since 2007 after a gas well was drilled approximately 300 feet from their home. Their water is so contaminated that a local veterinarian told them not to allow their dogs to drink the water either.

Their water well contamination was confirmed by "before" and "after" testing conducted by the gas drilling firm. According to the Chautauqua County Health Department: "This is a well documented case showing drinking water impacts that are seemingly related to gas well development."

Local health authorities appealed to DEC's Division of Mineral Resources to help the Ferrugias. DEC refused to investigate their problem or to provide them with safe drinking water.