Minimizing Water Risks in Shale Gas and Oil Drilling

A analysis by consultancy KPMG entitled “Watered-Down: Minimizing Water Risks in Shale Gas and Oil Drilling”  examines the environmental and regulatory challenges of shale drilling in the United States and how to mitigate these challenges with practical business focused solutions to ensure compliance and profitability.

The drilling and hydraulic fracturing of shale wells requires water, which is also a central component of the waste products produced from the fracturing (fracking) process.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that between 50,000 to 350,000 gallons of water may be required to fracture one well in a coal bed formation, while 2 million to 5 million gallons of water may be necessary to fracture one horizontal well in deep unconventional shale reservoirs.

Water is a local issue. Accordingly, each shale basin faces its own challenges for water access, use, treatment, and disposal. The volume of water used varies by the well and the region, according to the geology and the operator’s development decisions

The report highlights the commonsense practices and technologies related to natural gas development aimed at ensuring water quality and the environment are protected and kept safe.

Read the Full Report - Watered-Down: Minimizing Water Risks in Shale Gas and Oil Drilling -  HERE