The rapid rise in the development of unconventional oil and shale gas reserves over the last decade has been accompanied by a similar explosion in levels of discussion and debate on the topic. Central to the vast majority of conversations about hydraulic fracturing is the issue of water — its use, its management and protection and its ecological and socio-economic importance.
The 2015 Water and Hydraulic Fracturing Report takes a high-level look at where the knowledge base is relative to the key questions being asked. The report highlights the critical work done to assess:
- the state of the knowledge relative to decision-making
- where its lack is most impacting progress, and
- the capacity to advance knowledge priorities to support decisions
The report summarizes what we know now, what we most need to know, and what is obtainable through targeted research.
