Someone googled that question: the source of fracking water for the Bakken? See question 50 at FAQs (I occasionally change the numbering, so the number could change; use browser to search water if necessary).
It's the Missouri River for the most part.
Well water is also used.
Through 2011, I believe most water was provided by independent water distributors and, perhaps, the city of Williston municipal water supply. Sometime in 2012/2013, I assume most fracking water will be provided by WAWS. I don't know the specifics on fracking water because I do not follow it closely. There is not a supply issue regarding water for fracking in the Bakken.
There is more than enough water in the region for fracking. The one thing the Bakken is not short of is water, regardless of what folks may tell you. One inch of water off the top of the Sakakawea Lake (the Missouri River behind the Garrison Dam) will provide all the water that is needed for 5,000 Bakken wells annually; and the operators can drill a max of about 2,000 wells each year. So don't let anyone suggest there is not enough water. Period. Dot.
For more, look at the tag "WAWS" or "water" below -- at the very bottom of the blog where the labels/tags are kept.
Actually, water for fracking will be provided by a multitude of entities - private and public alike.
ReplyDeleteBy the end of 2013/2014, WAWSP most likely will have approximately 12 depots in operation to help pay for the overall system to get drinking water to communities and rural citizens in the region.
Independent Water Producers have noted that they we will have approximately 100+ depots in operation by the end of that time. Additionally, Municipalities and other systems (like the Southwest Water Authority) around the region also have their own depots. So it really is a mixed bag of water providers to the oil industry.
Great reply, thank you.
DeleteNow we have objective numbers for the number of depots in the area. I did not realize there were that many (100+ among the independents). Incredible.