Colorado fracing companies doubled freshwater use over last decade, analysis shows
(UI) – An analysis from FracTracking showed that Colorado energy companies doubled their freshwater use for fracing operations in the last decade, Inside Climate News reported. The analysis comes as the region continues to struggle through long-lasting drought conditions.
According to Kyle Ferrar, FracTracking’s Western Program Coordinator, the state’s standards for allocating water resources and regulating wastewater disposal is “incredibly wasteful.” The report indicated that freshwater consumption from fracing operations rose from 5 billion gallons in 2013 to over 10 billion gallons in 2022. However, Ferrar asserted that oil production did not increase despite the water injection boost. The analysis also revealed that operators in Colorado produced enough wastewater to run fracing projects without having to use state water supplies.
Ferrar stated that fracing wastewater has the ability to be treated and recycled. However, the state lacks accessible infrastructure to capture, treat and store contaminated water resources in regions with high consumption rates such as the Front Range.
Officials introduced House Bill 23-1241 in March, which aims to regulate water use. However, a proper infrastructure plan must be established to tackle the problem without harming the surrounding environment.
This story was originally reported by Inside Climate News.
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