Study: Fracking Could Strain Water Resources

A new study has found that the proliferation of fracking could put pressure on already stressed water resources in areas from Texas to western Colorado.

by Carol Flake May 7, 201312 AM Central

Lead image for this article — Credit: David R. Tribble / Zsuzsanna Kilian

A study by the group Ceres has found that projected increases in the use of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," could put pressure on already stressed water resources in areas from Texas to western Colorado. A piece in The New York Times cites the study's author, Monika Freyman, who explains that although the overall amount of water used for fracking is relatively small, local effects can be extensive. “You have to look at a county-by-county scale to capture the intense and short-term impact on water supplies,” she said.

Texas Tribune donors or members may be quoted or mentioned in our stories, or may be the subject of them. For a complete list of contributors, click here.

Carol Flake

Ms.

Quality journalism doesn't come free

Perhaps it goes without saying — but producing quality journalism isn't cheap. At a time when newsroom resources and revenue across the country are declining, The Texas Tribune remains committed to sustaining our mission: creating a more engaged and informed Texas with every story we cover, every event we convene and every newsletter we send. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on members to help keep our stories free and our events open to the public. Do you value our journalism? Show us with your support.

Yes, I'll donate today

Information about the authors

Carol Flake

Ms.

Quality journalism doesn't come free