HARVEYS LAKE - Home- owners concerned about the effect natural gas drilling could have on their water wells should have tests done - but make sure they're the right kind.

That's what Dr. Thomas Jiunta, co-founder of the Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition, told about 75 residents at a meeting at Our Lady of Victory Church on Thursday.

Two natural gas companies are planning exploratory wells in neighboring townships. Encana Oil & Gas USA Inc. is preparing a well pad on Zosh Road in Lake Twp., about 1½ miles from Harveys Lake, and Carrizo Marcellus LLC is planning its wells on property owned by the Sordoni family that is 2½ to 3 miles from the lake.

The water testing should be done before drilling starts, Dr. Jiunta told resident John Halbing when asked whether there was a recommended test time. Dr. Jiunta pointed out the tests the Environmental Advisory Committee is offering aren't sufficient. To hold up in court, baseline testing must be done by a state-certified facility, and water samples have to have a chain of custody, which includes the collection and delivery of the samples by an independent third party. Baseline testing costs about $800 to $1,000, Dr. Jiunta said.

Also, a meter to test water for total dissolved solids - substances including salts, metals and minerals - can be purchased for about $50 and used after the initial baseline test to monitor the water, Dr. Jiunta said.

Contact the writer: eskrapits@citizensvoice.com