| University of Colorado at Boulder | ||||||
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Water QuantityWater is unavoidable in every phase of oil and gas development. Varying quantities and qualities of water are both produced and used during development. On one hand, the use of large quantities of water for well stimulation, particularly high-volume hydraulic fracturing, poses legal and practical water quantity problems. On the other hand, the water produced during oil and gas development, which has traditionally been viewed as a waste product, may represent an underexploited water resource. Browse the Water Quantity BMPs in the database. |
Classification of WaterSurface water, ground water, and oil and gas water uses are defined. |
Water RightsThe Prior Appropriations doctrine governs Intermountain states' water rights for most uses. |
Water ManagementUnderstanding the lifecycle of water in oil and gas development is critical to environmental protection. |
Conservation IssuesConservation of development water is especially important in semi-arid areas. |
Last substantive additions to Water Quantity pages: 05/12/2017
Last minor updates: 05/12/2017