Oil/gas panel puts water-quality data online

DENVER – Water-quality information assembled by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is available to the public through a new tool on the agency’s website, http://cogcc.state.co.us/.

The database of water samples allows the public to view water quality for specific locations throughout Colorado and marks a significant milestone in the commission’s ongoing efforts to monitor, protect and quantify water quality as part of its regulatory oversight of oil and gas development in the state.

“We’re glad to have this data now available for Colorado citizens who seek more information about oil and gas development in their communities,´ said Matt Lepore, the commission’s director. “We hope this data is helpful as we continue to work closely with local governments, industry and neighbors to balance production of important energy resource with protection of our precious water supplies.”

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The data consists of samples received since Jan. 1, 2011, from 450 wells or other locations, including springs. Additional sampling data from thousands of samples taken over many previous years will be added over the next several months.

In the near term, data obtained in recent months associated with the Colorado Oil and Gas Association’s voluntary groundwater monitoring program will be added. Historic sampling data received from several sources dating back many years will be migrated to the database by the end of 2012.

To use the database, click on the link marked “Water Sampling Data Now Available” on the COGCC home page. From there, click on the GIS Online link or on the “Go to Map” link associated with the “Water/Gas Sample Data.” After a map loads, you can zoom into an area using the rolling button on the mouse or the zoom feature on the menu along the top. When you’re in the area of interest, check the box on the left side marked “Water Gas Sample Sites,” then click the box labeled “Sites w/Lab Data.” The site can take a few seconds to load the data onto the map.

If some tool buttons aren’t responsive, see the link on the right side of the page labeled “Compatibility View.”