HARRISBURG — The state auditor general has a four-page guide to help residents deal with water quality complaints associated with shale gas well development.

“The guide should help people understand what information is available to them and what they should do if they notice changes in the quality of their water,” said Auditor General Eugene DePasquale in a statement.

“The content for the guide was developed by our audit staff based upon what they learned while trying to navigate the DEP’s administrative and regulatory processes and website.”

Topics in the guide include: allowing a gas well operator to test water; keeping informed about drilling operations; looking for changes in water quality; and deciding what to do and who to contact if water contamination is suspected.

The guide can be viewed at: http://www.auditorgen.state.pa.us/Media/Default/images/DOCUMENT_DEP_CITIZENS_GUIDE_09252014_final.pdf.