<p>Since I am from the Niger delta, where crude oil is mostly seen ... when we pump water and I try drinking it, it reeks of fuel ... how can I confirm it to be crude locally before alerting the oil company?</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-08-31T09:08:20.577Z
If it is natural seepage , I doubt an oil company would have much interest. However they should have the ability to determine if it is seepage, refined product or a leak of produced oil from piping.
blacksmith37
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-09-01T10:50:57.117Z
Sampling for trace hydrocarbons in water is a fairly standard for commercial water quality laboratories.  There are oil detection test strips available that allow quick field assessments e.g. https://www.mn-net.com/qualitative-oil-test-paper-90760,  if you can find local suppliers.  Local universities or NGOs might be able to help.
Andy M
<geology><groundwater><pollution>
I perceive fuel in my bore hole water
Wilson
# I perceive fuel in my bore hole water

(Asked by: username_0 on 2022-08-30)

Since I am from the Niger delta, where crude oil is mostly seen ... when we pump water and I try drinking it, it reeks of fuel ... how can I confirm it to be crude locally before alerting the oil company?

**Tags:** geology, groundwater, pollution

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: If it is natural seepage , I doubt an oil company would have much interest. However they should have the ability to determine if it is seepage, refined product or a leak of produced oil from piping.  
> **username_2**: Sampling for trace hydrocarbons in water is a fairly standard for commercial water quality laboratories.  There are oil detection test strips available that allow quick field assessments e.g. https://www.mn-net.com/qualitative-oil-test-paper-90760,  if you can find local suppliers.  Local universities or NGOs might be able to help.  

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## 0 answers

