Groundwater Use for Oil & Gas Operations in Oklahoma
Groundwater Use for Oil & Gas Operations in Oklahoma
Presented on Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Groundwater usage for oil and gas operations in Oklahoma has increased dramatically since 2008. While water use for this sector represents less than 3% of total usage for all sectors (e.g. irrigation, drinking water supply, hydropower, etc.), it can be problematic on a number of levels, especially during periods of drought. Unfortunately, Oklahoma experienced a period of exceptional drought for most of the state in 2011 and 2012 and oil and gas usage during this same period reached a peak. The industry is actively engaged in evaluating other sources of water for oil and gas operations to reduce competition with other uses. Recent research by hydraulic fracturing service providers have shown that 'fresh' water is not necessary for hydraulic fracturing of production wells, so operators are now examining sources of 'marginal' waters. This paper evaluates trends in water usage over time in Oklahoma and efforts to reduce consumption by the oil and gas industry.
Robert Puls, Ph.D.
Oklahoma Water Survey, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Robert Puls is Director of the Oklahoma Water Survey and Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma. He was employed by the USEPA for almost 25 years. Puls was the Technical Lead for the USEPA Study on Hydraulic Fracturing and Drinking Water Resources prior to his retirement in early 2012. As Technical Lead he met with numerous industry representatives, non-governmental organizations, federal agencies, and state agencies responsible for oil and gas regulatory oversight. Puls has a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona as well as degrees from the University of Washington and the University of Wisconsin.
