There isn’t really a “typical” fractured well because the amount of water used depends on the rock formation, the operator, whether the well is vertical or horizontal, and the number of portions (or stages) of the well that are fractured. In addition, some water is recycled from fluids produced by the well, so the net consumption might be smaller at sites that recycle.
Water use per well can be anywhere from about 1.5 million gallons to about 16 million gallons.
Learn more: Hydraulic Fracturing
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- FAQ
How is hydraulic fracturing related to earthquakes and tremors?
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Estimates of water use associated with continuous oil and gas development in the Williston Basin, North Dakota and Montana, 2007–17
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The quantities of water and hydraulic fracturing proppant required for producing petroleum (oil, gas, and natural gas liquids) from continuous accumulations, and the quantities of water extracted during petroleum production, can be quantitatively assessed using a probabilistic approach. The water and proppant assessment methodology builds on the U.S. Geological Survey methodology for quantitativeAuthorsSeth S. HainesTrends in hydraulic fracturing distributions and treatment fluids, additives, proppants, and water volumes applied to wells drilled in the United States from 1947 through 2010: data analysis and comparison to the literature
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