I read the info about ground & believe I understand why it needs to be done & how to do it. My question is this. In the current set up for my house my panel is grounded to the gas system not the water system. The water for the house is nowhere near the electric service closet so grounding to it is not an option. The ground is jumpered across the meter as described for grounding to a water system but is this safe? There are no outdoor ground rods installed. I'm located in Indianapolis, IN. Thanks for the help.

Best for you to check with your local electrical inspector and your gas utility.

The NEC 2005 Section 250.52(B) Specifically states not to use a gas piping for a grounding electrode. Years ago ,I believe I remember it was allowed, only if the gas utility allowed the practice.

The reason not to use as a grounding electrode is now most gas utility underground piping is coated to prevent the metal piping to come in contact with the earth, rendering it useless as an electrode.

To add to the confusion, NEC wants the gas piping bonded to the electrical system. This is to "ground " the interior piping that may become energized.

You need to determine if this is a grounding electrode conductor, or a bonding conductor.

I hope I am not adding to your confusion. The Code uses specific words for specific purposes, where lay people simply use the word "ground", and there is a great deal more to it.

Sometimes the words get in the way, and when it concerns "grounding" we cannot let that happen.