Hydraulic fracturing near domestic groundwater wells

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing operations are generating considerable discussion about their potential to contaminate aquifers tapped by domestic groundwater wells. Groundwater wells located closer to hydraulically fractured wells are more likely to be exposed to contaminants derived from on-site spills and well-bore failures, should they occur. Nevertheless, the proximity of hydraulic fracturing operations to domestic groundwater wells is unknown. Here, we analyze the distance between domestic groundwater wells (public and self-supply) constructed between 2000 and 2014 and hydraulically fractured wells stimulated in 2014 in 14 states. We show that 37% of all recorded hydraulically fractured wells stimulated during 2014 exist within 2 km of at least one recently constructed (2000-2014) domestic groundwater well. Furthermore, we identify 11 counties where most ([Formula: see text]50%) recorded domestic groundwater wells exist within 2 km of one or more hydraulically fractured wells stimulated during 2014. Our findings suggest that understanding how frequently hydraulic fracturing operations impact groundwater quality is of widespread importance to drinking water safety in many areas where hydraulic fracturing is common. We also identify 236 counties where most recorded domestic groundwater wells exist within 2 km of one or more recorded oil and gas wells producing during 2014. Our analysis identifies hotspots where both conventional and unconventional oil and gas wells frequently exist near recorded domestic groundwater wells that may be targeted for further water-quality monitoring.

Competition for shrinking window of low salinity groundwater

“…We analyzed statistics of the depths of groundwater wells designed to produce groundwater for domestic, agricultural or industrial purposes. Data and quality control methods used are presented by Perrone and Jasechko [2] and Jasechko and Perrone [13]. Previous work finds that median agricultural wells can, in some places, be tens-of-meters deeper than median domestic or municipal wells [2]; this pattern does not hold true across the entirety of our study area.…”

“…The amount of separation between potable groundwater resources and drilling, stimulation and operation of wells associated with oil and gas activities is a critical consideration in oil and gas producing regions [13,40]. The required separation between unconventional oil and gas production and water wells in the USA is likely on the order of several hundred meters [41].…”

“…Although proximity alone does not necessitate contamination [13], proximity can be a proxy for the competition for deep groundwater. Currently, it is unclear how depths of hydraulic fracturing, EOR, and exempt injection wells compare to depths of fresh, brackish, and saline groundwaters and depths of groundwater wells across the United States' major sedimentary basins.…”

Global Isotope Hydrogeology―Review

“…However, deeper wells are not immune to surface‐borne contaminants (Jasechko, Perrone, et al, ; Michael & Khan, ). Compiled American well construction records show that most drinking water wells are shallower than 200 m (data sets presented by Perrone & Jasechko, ; Jasechko & Perrone, ; Womble et al, ). As modern groundwater is most prevalent within ~200 m of the land surface, this work implies that many if not most American wells pump some modern groundwater, which is disproportionately vulnerable to surface‐borne pollutants.…”

The Food-Energy-Water Nexus, Regional Sustainability, and Hydraulic Fracturing: An Integrated Assessment of the Denver Region

“…In 2014, one review called the physical science literature on fracking "remarkably inconclusive" [27], and much is unknown about current and potential impacts of HVHF and drilling on water quality. At the same, understanding how frequently these operations impact groundwater quality is essential to assessing drinking water safety and public health risks in regions around the country where these practices are common [28], particularly as nationwide oil and gas production continues to increase.…”