Hydraulic fracturing has given energy companies access to previously untapped reserves of shale gas and might lead to lower natural-gas prices for consumers. But the drilling technique, also called or fracking or hydrofracking, is also stirring up controversy, as environmentalists point to a link between hydrofracking and polluted groundwater supplies. "Dark Side of a Natural Gas Boom," in today's edition of The New York Times, examines the debate.—Daniel DiClerico | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook

Essential information: Read more about shale gas on ProPublica.org. If you're concerned about the quality of the water in your area, check out your Consumer Confidence Report, or CCR. Learn how to obtain your CCR and understand the information in it by reading "Deciphering Your Water Report." Download PDFs (below) of Consumer Reports' 1974 three-part investigative report "Is the Water Safe to Drink?"

Download Is_the_water_safe_to_drink_part_1.pdf

Download Is_the_water_safe_to_drink_part_2.pdf

Download Is_the_water_safe_to_drink_part_3.pdf