To: United Utilities steve mogford, chief exec
How safe is your water in North West England ?
We request United Utilities to
Provide a clear, unambiguous undertaking to refuse Fracking companies drilling rights on any land owned or leased by United Utilities.
To oppose Fracking by such companies on other sites where horizontal drilling would risk contamination of water sources in the NW region.
To make a clear position statement in relation to access to water resources by such companies in the NW region.
To make a clear position statement regarding disposal of water used in fracking by such companies within the region.
Why is this important?
Nothing is more important for our survival than safe water. It is basic to our health, our children's health, to the production of livestock and crops.
The Government has recently granted licenses for Companies to drill for shale gas. Two of these areas cover the West Pennine Moors and parts of Bolton, Chorley and Preston. But this is an issue for domestic and commercial water users across the region. A large part of the land designated for fracking is owned by United Utilities and is the water catchment for the reservoirs at Rivington and Anglezarke. Apart from these areas being valued and visited for their beauty and recreation, they also supply water mainly to Liverpool but also Greater Manchester. Where fracking has occurred in the US & Australia, there has been widespread contamination and depletion of water sources as a result of the fracking process. Risks include carcinogenic chemicals used in the fracking process, the release of methane and also increased radiation. Locally, exploratory drilling resulted in contamination at Barton Moss and on the Fylde.
. We all need to know that United Utilities is not only taking seriously the risks posed by fracking, but will take all necessary steps to protect our water.
