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Investigating an explosion in a private water well near several gas-drilling operations in Susquehanna County, the state Department of Environmental Protection has determined that several wells have become contaminated with methane, but the source isn’t yet known.

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Though limitations standards haven’t been established for natural gas, the levels at wells in Dimock Township aren’t harmful, and the gas can be vented from the water, DEP spokesman Mark Carmon said. Health risks also haven’t been identified.

On Jan. 1, the cap of the well “exploded with some force,” Carmon said. There were no injuries, he said, but the resulting investigation found methane in the air in three private wells in the area and dissolved in two of eight water samples. Results from a fourth air sample are pending.

More than 20 residences are being investigated, DEP noted in a news release. Mike Bedrin, DEP’s northeast regional director, said in the release that three other residents alerted the department earlier this week about potential gas contamination.

Several drilling sites operated by Houston-based Cabot Oil & Gas exist within a quarter of a mile of the well, Carmon said, and while it’s unclear if they were the source, “we haven’t ruled anything out at this point.” He was unaware of any drilling being suspended while the investigation continues.

Using a method that compares chemical compositions, the department is analyzing two nearby gas wells, a pipeline and two water wells to find the source of the migrating gas.