Preble resident's flammable water crisis draws attention after a 5-year struggle

PREBLE, N.Y. — A man in Preble has a unique problem in his home, the water that comes out of his faucet can catch on fire.

Now, after five years of bringing his problem to the Department of Environmental Conservation, he’s finally getting help.

CNY Central went to Preble to speak with Holden to learn about the troubles his water has caused him.

Frank Holden’s concerns started more than two decades ago when he noticed his water tasted like iron. In 2019, he called a contractor who showed him the issue was larger than he ever could have imagined.

"He says you have gas in your water and he did exactly what I just did at the sink, and I was dumbfounded."



Frank Holden’s concerns started two decades ago when his water tasted like iron. In 2019, he called a contractor who said there was gas in his water.
(Photo by CNY Central)

Ever since then, Holden has suffered. He can't enjoy a shower or bath because of his psoriasis which makes the hot water in the shower turn his body bright red.

But in his five-year battle, he says he hasn’t received help from the DEC and was scared of what could happen.

I was concerned that my house would blow up for one, also the health of my daughter moving here. She has a son, my grandson, and her boyfriend has a daughter. I didn't want them to get sick.

He thought that he would be dealing with this water for the rest of his life until he was contacted by Walter Hang of Toxic Targeting, who is frustrated by this problem and has now set up a meeting with the DEC.

"I was just shocked. I was just outraged when someone can light their drinking water on fire because someone tells them it has natural gas. That's just terrifying."



Frank Holden a second time lighting his water on fire with a visible blue flame emitting from the jug. (Photo by Walter Hang)

Hang thinks because Holden’s house is on top of Marcellus Shale and near a gas pipeline at the house, that is where the natural gas originates from, but he says a broken pipe could also be at play here.

He wishes the New York State took action sooner.

When I read that the DEC had never even followed up, even though he called them in good faith and reported the problem, when he said, ‘Oh, it didn't come to the attention of the proper authorities five years ago,’ that is the lamest excuse I have ever heard of. That is just unacceptable.

However, Holden grew up in Preble, and when he bought this house, he hoped he would live and die there, but if his water isn't fixed, he’s not sure what he will do.

Holden and Hang hope to push the DEC for answers and a resolution when they come to his house on Tuesday.

He is not alone in this battle. Walter Hang has written to Governor Hochul about forty other New Yorkers who are fighting this battle as well.