Selling Water for Fracking

March 12, 2012

According to a http://www.coloradoan.com report, the town of Windsor, Colo., has sold more than 8.4 million gal of municipal water for use in hydraulic fracturing for close to $17,000 over the last four months.

Because the town has not previously sold any water to the oil and gas industry, town officials have not yet considered the long-term implications of this practice.

Windsor is not alone. In 2011, Fort Lupton also sold about 154 million gal of municipal water to the oil and gas industry for more than $677,000. The city is using the money to pay down its $20-million debt on a water treatment plant, the report stated.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the Colorado Water Conservation Board recently estimated that fracking consumes 0.08% of the state’s water supply.

Selling excess municipal water to agriculture and a variety of industries is not a new practice. However, with fracking already stirring plenty of debates, some fear that as this practice gains momentum, it could consume more water than some states can spare.

To share your opinion on this topic, e-mail WWD at [email protected].

Sponsored Recommendations

Blower Package Integration

March 20, 2024
See how an integrated blower package can save you time, money, and energy, in a wastewater treatment system. With package integration, you have a completely integrated blower ...

Strut Comparison Chart

March 12, 2024
Conduit support systems are an integral part of construction infrastructure. Compare steel, aluminum and fiberglass strut support systems.

Energy Efficient System Design for WWTPs

Feb. 7, 2024
System splitting with adaptive control reduces electrical, maintenance, and initial investment costs.

Blower Isentropic Efficiency Explained

Feb. 7, 2024
Learn more about isentropic efficiency and specific performance as they relate to blowers.