Quantities of water associated with oil and gas development

Introduction

Hydraulic fracturing is an integral part of oil and gas development in many areas, and water use for this purpose has increased considerably in the last decade.   Water produced from petroleum reservoirs includes hydraulic fracturing water that flows back to the surface (“flowback water”) as well as water that naturally exists in the reservoir (“formation water”).  Produced water quantities vary substantially in both time and place (locally and between different petroleum producing areas), and the produced water can represent a resource or a waste product needing disposal. 

We provide assessments of these water quantities (water used and produced), as well as the proppant (typically sand) used for hydraulic fracturing, based directly on geology-based USGS oil and gas assessments.  In addition, we conduct related studies of water quantities used for hydraulic fracturing and water produced with oil and gas. 

Completed Assessments of Water and Proppant Quantities Associated with Petroleum Production

We have developed a methodology for assessing quantities of water and proppant injection, and water production associated with development of continuous petroleum accumulations.  This approach builds directly from USGS oil and gas assessments.  There are currently 2 water and proppant assessments completed with additional assessments currently under way: