Hydraulic Fracturing Affects Water Availability and Quality

Hydraulic fracturing—a process in which fluid is injected under pressure into rock formations in order to break up the rock and improve recovery of natural gas—has many effects on the availability and quality of water resources, according to a new report by the Pacific Institute. The process is considered standard practice by the industry, but after interviewing stakeholders in academia, industry, state and federal agencies, environmental groups, and community-based organizations, the institute found that key water-related concerns include water withdrawals, groundwater contamination, wastewater management, the impact of truck traffic on water quality, surface spills and leaks, and stormwater management.