Shale Network brings together water observations collected by community monitoring groups, researchers, agencies, and other providers. The database includes groundwater, surface water, formation water, and waters associated with oil and gas production. Published subsets focus on Pennsylvania and the northeastern United States.
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What the totals mean
As of October 20, 2026, the database contains 62,025 sites, 2,109,467 data values, and contributions from 515 providers.
A data value is an individual analyte result, not an independent water sample. One sample may have results for several analytes, and a site may have repeated samples. Coverage varies by location, date, provider, and measurement. The totals do not imply complete regional coverage or a uniform sampling design.
How data are prepared
The current laboratory-report workflow uses a structured spreadsheet for transcription and review. The data-entry team reports missing analytes, analytical methods, and template issues to the project supervisor.
- Keep the source method. A method code must represent the method stated in the laboratory report. Similar methods are not interchangeable.
- Use controlled names. Variable names are checked against the CUAHSI controlled vocabulary. A locally retained name that is absent from that vocabulary is not eligible for CUAHSI publication until accepted.
- Review template changes. Additions are logged and checked against the previous template so existing entries and data are preserved.
These practices describe the current data-entry workflow. They do not establish that every historical record has undergone the same review.
Before analyzing records
Review each dataset’s source information, sampling dates, units, analytical methods, detection limits, qualifiers, and documentation of quality control. Resolve missing or ambiguous metadata before treating records as comparable. A result below a reporting limit should not be treated as a measured zero.
Differences among datasets can reflect sampling purpose, laboratory methods, site selection, or environmental conditions. Interpreting a possible effect of oil and gas development requires additional evidence about timing, geology, other land uses, and potential sources. The linked studies show examples of analyses within defined study areas.
For a suspected error or a question about a record, contact Tao Wen with the dataset identifier and the affected record. See the data-use guidance for attribution and correction requests.