Water Use for Hydraulic Fracturing: A Texas Sized Problem?

Abstract

The state of Texas could face a 2.7 trillion gallon shortfall of water by 2060. Hydraulic fracturing (HF) requires large amounts of water for each well. Tax incentives should be offered to companies that substitute brackish groundwater for fresh. However, HF technology is not the only or even the most significant contributor to the longstanding problem of water stress in Texas. Accurate and transparent data reporting on all water consumption (irrigation, municipal use, mining, and others) and policy changes to address inefficient water use practices in all sectors are needed. Without broad water regulation efforts the state will continue to suffer from overuse of its most precious resource—water.