Skip to main content

Study Says Water Use in Fracking on the Rise

The amount of water used in the U.S. for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, increased by 28 times in the last 14 years, a new report from the U.S. Geological Survey found.

Republish
Vantage Energy on June 1, 2015 resumed hydraulic operations on a pad site on the western outskirts of Denton. It was the first company to frack within city limits after the Texas Legislature overturned the Denton’s ban on the process.
Credit: Cooper Neill

The amount of water used in the U.S. for hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, increased by 28 times in the last 14 years, a new report from the U.S. Geological Survey found. The amounts varied by area, with more water being used in large formations such as the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas. You can review the report here. (Public News Service)

Texans need truth. Help us report it.

Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans — and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible. Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?

Support independent Texas news

Become a member. Join today.

Choose an amount or learn more about membership.

$20 $25 $50 Other
Donate now

Information about the authors

Learn about The Texas Tribune’s policies, including our partnership with The Trust Project to increase transparency in news.

Explore related story topics