In this study we evaluated whether the bacterial community associated with the external mucus layer of fish could be affected by surrogate hydraulic fracturing waste (HF waste). Fish were exposed to three treatments (Low 0.01%, Medium 0.10%, and High 1.0%), of surrogate HF waste synthesized to mimic concentrations documented in the field. Epidermal mucus samples were collected and assessed on days 15 and 30 to determine if the associated bacterial community varied among treatments.