Fracking
Boom Hits Water Wall
Unlike the old days where fracking was performed in sparsely
populated areas, modern technology has enabled fracking operations to take hold
in highly populated areas also. But modern fracking operations need more
gallons per well than previously, and consequently millions more gallons of
contaminated waste water. Apart from contamination problem, the current fracking
method needs a lot of water and hence is in a competition for water supply.
According to the author of this article “40% of countries with the largest
shale reserves have severely limited freshwater supplies.386 million people
live over shale plays, making water-related conflicts more likely around new
hydraulic fracturing operations in populated areas.” There has been strong
pushback on fracking operations due to other concerns like earthquake and local
air quality impact.
World Resource Institute has recommended the oil and gas
industries to understand the availability of water in order reduce risk. On the
other hand, due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there is a recent push for US
natural gas exports.
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