Implications of unconventional oil and gas development on groundwater resources

An intensification of water use per well for hydraulic fracturing (HF) has been observed in different regions of the U.S. during the last 20 years. Water-scarce regions undergoing the most intensive unconventional reservoir development also face water and wastewater management issues to support HF activities. In this review, we analyze the current state of water use related to HF, focusing on the implications of shale gas development on groundwater resources within water-limited regions in the U.S. Recent concerns of HF water management highlight the importance of wastewater treatment and reuse to decrease the dependence on freshwater sources and to minimize the hazards of wastewater disposal.