Water and Hydraulic Fracturing

12/18/2013CATEE Conference San Antonio, TX

Dr. Calvin FinchTexas A&M Water Conservation and Technology Center

Water Components

Water for DrillingWater (Solution) for FracturingOutflow (Contaminated)

How Much Water?

3-7 million/gallons /well 60,000 acre feet at peak year (TWDB) 3,800 wells in 2013 85,000 more will be drilled

Water Options

Fresh Water

Brackish Water

Treated Water

Propane and ?

Treated Water

Major source in Permian Basin fracing because of lack of fresh water availableOnly 2% on Eagle Ford because of available fresh water

Heat exchange Lined pit (chlorine shock) Passive filtration Ozone bubbling Configurable filtration train (customized)

Attitudes in Texas

Generally sympathetic to need for energy production and desirability

of economic activity but not unanimous.

Hugh Fitzsimmons Wintergarden Water District Board Member

25 Artesian wells, now noneFracing requires more water than we

have Disposal wells are threats

Darrell Brownlow – Landowner and Hydrologist

Agriculture has been mining Carrizo Aquifer water and now Fracing is drawing from an area with much less water available

More short term and long term planning needed

One answer to the concerns and uncertainty.

Local and Regional Water Planning

Local Planning

Compare timing of need in fracing, agriculture, municipal uses to reduce conflict

Encourage use of alternate water sources in water sensitive areas, more recycling, transportation of water

Regional Planning Make sure groundwater districts have access to

adequate water modeling services and expertise

Scientific inventory of available water, and analysis of impact that fracing will have.

Seek alternative sources if use of water for fracing is long term threat.

Legislation

• Dialogue on what is needed and attempt to present unified front.

• Pipelines for flow back or treated water?

Contact Information

Email address: calvin.finch@tamu.edu

Office : (210)633-2427 ext. 240Mobile: (210) 382-4455