Fracking Fuels Water Battles in Drought Plagued States
In Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming, the vast majority of the counties where fracking is occurring are also suffering from drought, according to an Associated Press analysis of industry-compiled fracking data and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s official drought designations.
Fracking typically consumes less water than farming or residential uses, but the exploration method is increasing competition for the precious resource, driving up the price of water and burdening already depleted aquifers and rivers in certain drought-stricken stretches. An analysis of industry compiled fracking data and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's official drought designations shows that in western states counties where the most fracking is occurring are also suffering the most from drought conditions.
