Fracking For Oil and Gas Is Devouring American Groundwater

Overview

• New oil and gas wells are using massive amounts of water, threatening U.S. aquifers.
• These wells, termed "monster fracks," require millions of gallons of water, often sourced from dwindling aquifers.

Water Use in Fracking

• Since 2011, fracking has consumed nearly 1.5 trillion gallons of water nationally, equivalent to Texas's annual tap water use.
• A single fracking well can use up to 40 million gallons of water.
• Water is mixed with sand and chemicals to aid in fracturing the bedrock to extract oil and gas.

Impact on Aquifers

• Fracking's water demand poses a significant threat to aquifers, already stressed by agricultural and urban use.
• In Texas, fracking wells have increased water usage sevenfold since 2011.
• Groundwater supplies are expected to drop by one-third in Texas by 2070 due to climate change and overuse.

Environmental and Regulatory Concerns

• Critics highlight risks of water consumption for fossil fuel production, contributing to climate change.
• Water usage is often not consistently reported or monitored, and energy companies need no permits to drill groundwater wells.
• Community resistance is arising due to the strain on local water resources.

Industry Trends

• "Monster fracks" now constitute the majority of Texas fracking wells.
• Fracking companies rely heavily on aquifers, which are over-exploited and declining.
• Industry initiatives focus on minimizing freshwater use, such as recycling water, but these efforts are not widespread.

Case Studies

• Texas: Local aquifers face severe drops, with fracking water needs possibly surpassing irrigation by 2030.
• New Mexico: Legal action against fracking companies due to water resource depletion.
• Colorado: Community opposition to proposed fracking projects due to water use concerns.

Company Responses

• Some companies claim to recycle significant portions of their fracking water.
• Legal and regulatory frameworks are insufficient for sustainable water management in fracking.

Challenges and Future Outlook

• Fracking's water demand remains contentious amidst drought conditions.
• Water ownership laws allow unrestricted groundwater use in some areas.
• Local and state actions are emerging to regulate water use, with varying success.
• The continuation of current practices could threaten community water supplies if not managed.

Conclusion

• The balance between energy production and water conservation remains a critical issue as aquifers face increasing pressure from fracking and climate change.

Note: The analysis is based on data from the FracFocus database and self-reported industry figures.