The well testing comes the same week President Obama backed gas drilling in his State of the Union Address.

Cabot Oil and Gas says it's concerned that having the EPA take samples in Dimock and delivering water to some residents could hurt gas development. It says it believes it's an attempt to advance a political agenda hostile to shale gas rather than an effort to address environmental concerns in the area. Cabot's President has written a letter to the EPA outlining his objections.  Dan Dinges says the EPA doesn't have credible evidence that suggests new sampling is a wise use of resources given the collection and analysis of more than 2,000 water wells has already been done. He also says the federal agency's concerns are inconsistent with the findings of state regulators that Dimock drinking water meets regulatory standards. Cabot says the DEP is most familiar with ground water and geological formations in the area and has a better understanding of the situation than the EPA. 

Dinges also points out in the letter that the EPA told Dimock residents two months ago that their water was not a health risk. Cabot also says it is willing to work with the EPA.