The primary concern regarding hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is groundwater contamination, as chemicals used in the process can potentially pollute water supplies.

Groundwater contamination is the main environmental concern associated with hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas. During the fracking process, water mixed with chemicals is injected into deep underground shale formations to release natural gas. Critics worry that these chemicals could leak into surrounding groundwater, potentially affecting drinking water supplies. There are concerns that even small leaks can lead to contamination of aquifers, posing risks to human health and local ecosystems. While the industry maintains that the process is safe with proper safeguards, the potential for groundwater contamination remains a key issue in debates about the environmental impact of fracking.