EPA's Study of Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Potential Impact on Drinking Water Resources

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At the request of Congress, EPA is conducting a study to better understand any potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water and ground water. The scope of the research includes the full lifespan of water in hydraulic fracturing, from acquisition of the water, through the mixing of chemicals and actual fracturing, to the post-fracturing stage, including the management of flowback and produced water and its ultimate treatment and disposal.

A first progress report is planned for late 2012. A final draft report is expected to be released for public comment and peer review in 2014.

Plan to Study the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources (PDF) (190 pp, 2.1 MB, About PDF)

$The hydraulic fracturing water cycle. Please click on the image for an explanation of each step.$

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EPA's request for nominations for a Science Advisory Board (SAB) panel on hydraulic fracturing, published in the Federal Register, is the Agency's latest step to ensure that sound, high quality science is the foundation of EPA's efforts. Archives

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Contact the Hydraulic Fracturing Study Website Editor to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.

EPA's Study of Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Potential Impact on Drinking Water Resources

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