Dangers Of Utilizing Water For Fracking

By Iva Cannon


Natural gas is considered to be one of the most useful natural substances on earth. It is highly utilized in the creation of gases that is used for cooking. It was also recently discovered that this can be a good substitute for coal in the manufacturing of electricity. Since it emits lesser harmful chemicals for the process, many industries are considering this as their main substitute.

According to the experts, there are still many uses for natural gas that still needs to be explored. And because of this, there is a need for it as well. However, useful as it maybe, it is also hard to come by. It is buried in some of the deepest formation underground which also makes it hard to extract. There are several others making use of different methods. Out of all these processes, water for fracking seems to yield the most favorable results.

Fracking is a method used to fracture the rock and soil formations underneath. The process makes use of immense amounts of water for this to happen. And then a pipe is drilled so that there would be a perfect path for the liquid. Pressure is then applied to create cracks. This has been viewed as the most efficient way of extracting oil and gases.

But most experts still debate the fact of its efficiency especially since it can pose a lot of threats to the environment and the health of the people. The first problem lies in the huge amount of water being used. The process makes use of fresh water. And according to statistics, it takes several thousands of gallons to make one process work. From this fact alone, you can say that it is very alarming.

Fresh water is just a small part of the water percentage all over the world. And if it is used for this process. Their is no telling when it will eventually run out. It can affect all of the living things residing on fresh waters. This might not have a direct effect to human living but it will still have effects nonetheless.

Water is used to make a certain substance. It is then transported to the formation through the pipes that were drilled before. The mixture is said to contain more harmful chemicals. It is mixed because there is a need for the process to be more efficient and for the cracks to happen faster.

You should not forget about the equipment being used for this. Since pipes have to be drilled, there is a need for heavy machinery. The main source of power for these machines is diesel. For those who are not familiar with this substance, it is one of the products of mining oil. And when it is burned, the machine will emit higher amounts of harmful gases to the environment.

There is always the possibility of leaks. And this is very alarming. Methane is useful, but it is harmful. And there is a big chance that it can leak on the water reservoirs that are also underneath the ground. These reservoirs are what are used by most households and homes for their water supplies. There are others that make use of this as drinking water. And because of this, it would be very dangerous if it is leaked.

Because of the controversies surrounding this method, there are industries trying to make their own alternative substances to be used in the process to at least eliminate the risks. It is still not fully developed. It poses so many threats to the environment and to man that it might not be the best process to use.




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