AWWA Releases White Paper on Hydraulic Fracturing

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) recently released a pamphlet entitled, “Water and Hydraulic Fracturing White Paper.  The white paper addresses concerns about hydraulic fracturing – commonly called “fracking” – and its potential risks to water sources.  Produced in response to growing public awareness and concern about hydraulic fracturing and related activities in the energy industry, the paper is designed to help water utilities understand and communicate about fracking processes, risks, and regulations.  Created under the direction of AWWA’s Water Utility Council, the document describes different aspects of the oil and gas development life cycle; the potential for surface water and groundwater contamination; water quantity and use issues, and concerns about the possibility of earthquakes resulting from gas development activity.  The document is available via the following link: www.awwa.org/fracturing.