Temporal dynamics of hydraulic fracturing and water use: a case study from Northwestern Alberta, Canada
by Gopal Chandra Saha; Michael S. Quinn; Connie Van Der Byl
International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology (IJHST), Vol. 12, No. 1, 2021

Abstract: The practice of hydraulic fracturing, an unconventional oil and gas extraction method, has increased significantly in North America. This study presents the temporal dynamics of hydraulically fractured wells and water use from a two-year (2013 and 2014) case study of 432 wells in Northwestern Alberta, Canada. The number of hydraulically fractured wells was greater in all but two months in 2014 compared to 2013. Water consumption not only depended on the number of wells, but also on the type of rock formation, how deep and how many stages were required to fracture the targeted formation. The average water consumption per well was 3,671 m3. The majority (52%) of total water consumption occurred during low flow periods. We recommend monitoring nearby water sources to develop sustainable water resources management plans for hydraulic fracturing to minimise substantial negative impacts on water sources during low flow periods.

Online publication date: Wed, 14-Jul-2021

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Hydrology Science and Technology (IJHST):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

    Username:        Password:         

Forgotten your password?


Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com