Skip to main content

How Much Groundwater is Used in the Eagle Ford Shale?

A new study evaluates how much water is used in the fracking process in the Eagle Ford Shale while also looking at regulations in the area and making three policy recommendations.

Republish
Trucks carry cement that will be mixed to fill the space between multiple layers of casing in preparation for the hydraulic fracturing process at a Chesapeake Energy drill site in Dimmit, Texas in the Eagle Ford Shale.
Credit: Tamir Kalifa

A new study evaluates how much water is used in the fracking process in the Eagle Ford Shale while also looking at regulations in the area and making three policy recommendation. The study recommends implementing a requirement for any users to report how much water they've used, giving tax incentives that would encourage drilling companies to use options other than fresh groundwater, and an alternative property rights system that the authors called a "futuristic idea." (Texas Water Journal)

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