12/18/2013 catee conference san antonio, tx dr. calvin finch texas a&m water conservation and...
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Water and Hydraulic Fracturing
12/18/2013CATEE Conference San Antonio, TX
Dr. Calvin FinchTexas A&M Water Conservation and Technology Center
Water Components
Water for DrillingWater (Solution) for FracturingOutflow (Contaminated)
How Much Water?
3-7 million/gallons /well 60,000 acre feet at peak year (TWDB) 3,800 wells in 2013 85,000 more will be drilled
Water Options
Fresh Water
Brackish Water
Treated Water
Propane and ?
Treated Water
Major source in Permian Basin fracing because of lack of fresh water availableOnly 2% on Eagle Ford because of available fresh water
Heat exchange Lined pit (chlorine shock) Passive filtration Ozone bubbling Configurable filtration train (customized)
Attitudes in Texas
Generally sympathetic to need for energy production and desirability
of economic activity but not unanimous.
Hugh Fitzsimmons Wintergarden Water District Board Member
25 Artesian wells, now noneFracing requires more water than we
have Disposal wells are threats
Darrell Brownlow – Landowner and Hydrologist
Agriculture has been mining Carrizo Aquifer water and now Fracing is drawing from an area with much less water available
More short term and long term planning needed
One answer to the concerns and uncertainty.
Local and Regional Water Planning
Local Planning
Compare timing of need in fracing, agriculture, municipal uses to reduce conflict
Encourage use of alternate water sources in water sensitive areas, more recycling, transportation of water
Regional Planning Make sure groundwater districts have access to
adequate water modeling services and expertise
Scientific inventory of available water, and analysis of impact that fracing will have.
Seek alternative sources if use of water for fracing is long term threat.
Legislation
• Dialogue on what is needed and attempt to present unified front.
• Pipelines for flow back or treated water?
Contact Information
Email address: [email protected]
Office : (210)633-2427 ext. 240Mobile: (210) 382-4455