Hydraulic Fracturing FAQ for Water Utilities

As part of its Water and Hydraulic Fracturing white paper project, the American Water Works Association has created this brief Q&A for customers. This document can be adjusted as necessary and used by AWWA member water utilities.

Questions and Answers about Water and Hydraulic Fracturing

[Name of Utility] is aware that many customers have concerns about hydraulic fracturing and oil and natural gas development and potential impacts on our water. This document briefly describes hydraulic fracturing, its potential impact on drinking water, the steps we’re taking to protect your water, and where to learn more.

What is ‘hydraulic fracturing’?

Hydraulic fracturing, often referred to as “fracking,” is one step used in the development of most (although not all) modern oil and natural gas wells. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of a fracturing fluid (a mixture of mostly water and sand with some chemical additives) under pressure into a well to allow for production of oil and natural gas, often from shale formations. This process makes it possible to recover oil and natural gas from sources that otherwise may have yielded little or none. It usually takes place several thousand feet underground, below the deepest drinking water sources, with hundreds to thousands of feet of rock in between. Hydraulic fracturing is only one facet in the creation and operation of a oil and natural gas well, which also includes locating the well, isolating them from drinking water sources, disposing of wastes, and closing a well when it is no longer in use.

Are oil and natural gas operators who use hydraulic fracturing regulated?

Yes. Primarily state laws, but also some federal laws, regulate oil and natural gas development and are designed to protect groundwater and surface waters from accidental contamination. Regulations control the disposal of wastes and reduce the likelihood of an accident or spill. The regulator for oil and natural gas wells in [State] is the [Oil/Natural gas regulator name], and information about [State]’s oil and natural gas regulations can be found at [Oil/Natural gas Regulator Website].

What are the risks to drinking water from oil and natural gas development? Oil and natural gas development is an industrial activity, and like all industrial activities, it poses some environmental risks. Known risks include the possibility of spills, accidents, improper construction or maintenance of wells, and improper disposal of wastes. Any of these could contaminate drinking water sources, although the extent and severity could vary from minor to very serious depending on the event. These problems are rare when oil and natural gas developers follow established regulations and industry practices, but they cannot be eliminated entirely. Other risks, such as contamination through underground cracks in the rocks or the creation of small earthquakes (known as “induced seismicity”) from waste disposal are possible, but have neither been definitively identified nor definitively ruled out. Scientists, engineers, and regulators are researching ways to reduce known risks and identify any that are not yet clear. [Name of Utility] is also carefully monitoring for these risks, and [has prepared OR is working to create] plans to protect your drinking water should any of these events occur. [Name of Utility] is working hard to keep your drinking water safe and affordable.

How is [Name of Utility] protecting drinking water sources from these risks?

[Describe efforts undertaken at the utility. Suggested topics include: (1) how the utility has interacted with oil and natural gas regulators and/or developers to analyze protective measures being taken, (2) how drinking water sources and supplies are being tested and monitored, and (3) an explanation of plans should any of the above events occur.]

How is my tap water protected?

As your drinking water provider, [Name of Utility] takes seriously its obligation to protect public health at all times. Drinking water systems serving the public are subject to strict federal and state standards to protect public health. The Safe Drinking Water Act, a federal law, requires that we meet these standards. [Name of Utility] tests its water frequently and must report violations to [SDWA Local Regulator Name]. Information about serious violations or any actions necessary to protect the public health must also be quickly reported to customers.

[Insert more information about the utility’s treatment and/or other measures being used to protect the consumer’s tap water, such as broader source water protection efforts.]

Where can I get more information?

Please visit [Name of Utility]’s website at [Web address] to learn more about your drinking water, including information about treatment and efforts to protect our source waters. Please also feel free to contact us at [utility contact information] to discuss any questions or concerns that you have. For more information about how oil and natural gas wells are regulated, please visit [Oil/Natural gas Regulator Name]’s website at [Oil/Natural gas Regulator Web Address], or contact them at [Oil/Natural gas Regulator Contact Information].

Presented in cooperation with the American Water Works Association (AWWA).