Symptoms of Water Contamination From Methane Gas

Methane is a colorless and odorless gas. While it is not considered toxic to humans, breathing high concentrations of the gas could cause asphyxia, leading to death by suffocation. Likewise, methane is flammable and poses a risk of fire or explosion if it accumulates in confined spaces.

Well water is especially susceptible to contamination from methane gas, since methane accumulates naturally in underground aquifers. Coal mining and oil and gas drilling activities exacerbate the potential for methane gas contamination of groundwater, since the mining and drilling often releases methane reserves trapped in the earth. While methane gas is difficult to detect without monitoring equipment, close observation can reveal some symptoms of water contamination from methane gas.

Artesian Conditions

• Methane gas can cause water to become pressurized and squirt from the source.

  The accumulation of methane gas in groundwater often increases the pressure of the water source, causing an "artesian condition." When enough methane accumulates to pressurize the water supply, the methane-infused water will make gurgling noises at the well and will often squirt from faucets. Artesian conditions are most common in heated water applications.

Bubbles in Water

• Water with methane gas appears fizzy or milky with fine bubbles.

  According to the Government of Alberta, California, methane gas in water can be detected by filling a glass with tap water. Water with methane gas appears fizzy or milky with fine bubbles. If the bubbles clear from the bottom to the top as they rise, dissolved gases are present in the water and evaporating into the air. The bubbles indicate the presence of methane, nitrogen or carbon dioxide in the water.

Pumping Problems

• Excess methane gas accumulation in water can cause difficulties in pumping the water. Difficulty in pumping due to gas accumulation is known as "gas locking" and causes the pump to lose its suction. Typically, a pump that handles water contaminated with high amounts of methane gas will operate normally for a span of time and then, without warning, the pump will continue running but will no longer draw water. According to the Government of Alberta, the methane stops the pump from operating properly when gas bubbles collect in the pump impeller and block the flow of water through the pump.

Damaged Well Casing

• The well's casing prevents methane gas from migrating into the water supply.

  While a damaged well casing is not definitive proof of the presence of methane gas in water, it indicates an increased risk for methane gas contamination. According to the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, a well casing "helps prevent contaminants from migrating into the well." Well casings that are not properly sealed or that have holes or cracks could be allowing methane gas to enter the water supply. If you can hear the sound of running water in your well when the pump is off, then the well casing is likely to have a leak, creating an opportunity for methane gas to seep into the water supply.

Water Testing

• Laboratory testing is the most reliable method of confirming the presence of methane in water.

  The only way to confirm water contamination from methane gas is to have the water tested. According to the Water Systems Council, "methane can be difficult to detect in water, so it is important that a certified laboratory perform the test. Contact your state or local health department for a list of state-certified laboratories in your area."