Why Is This Tap Water On Fire?

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In rare instances, methane gas can dissolve into groundwater and subsequently enter household water supplies, resulting in flammable tap water. This phenomenon is often associated with methane migration, where natural gas escapes from underground formations and contaminates nearby aquifers. While methane can naturally occur in groundwater due to microbial activity or geological processes, elevated concentrations are sometimes linked to human activities such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking). During fracking, fractures in rock layers can provide pathways for methane to move into water-bearing zones. When this methane-rich water is pumped into homes, the decrease in pressure at the tap allows the dissolved gas to escape. If an ignition source is present, the released methane can ignite, producing visible flames. Though relatively uncommon, such events raise significant concerns regarding drinking water safety, groundwater protection, and the environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction.

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