The Consequences Of Fracking

Water, one of the most important necessity in human lives’, is currently receding. All over the world, water is used as energy, and not to mention, also used for bathing, drinking, watering plants, and so on. However, this fundamental element is now lacking in many areas around the world, especially here in California. California has been plagued with a drought for many years, however, people continue to waste water by watering crops that are not even needed, transporting water from other areas in order to preserve the so-called rich green luxury, and also continuing to dispute over water rights. One prime example of wasting water would be hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. Fracking is used by oil industries, and consumes tons of …show more content…
Fracking is certainly a crucial topic which must be addressed in order to aid the drought and also to decrease its environmental consequences. People all over the world are constantly looking for alternative energy resources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, or hydraulic power. As a result of this, oil industries turn to hydraulic fracturing. This process, more commonly known as fracking, utilizes water, chemicals, and sand, which is injected underground where shale rocks are broken to release natural gases and extract oil. Unfortunately, a large number of these rocks are located in water scarce areas such as California. Although gases released from shale rocks can heighten the international economy due to its ability to increase “global reserves by nearly half,” it raises concerns over the allocation of water (Banerjee). Oil industries are prominently located in the West, with 99 percent of fracking sites located in the Central Valley, ironically in the same area where crops such as almonds and potatoes are grown. Considering how barren and dry California is becoming, oil industries are “using up to 2 million gallons of water a day,” further drying up lakes, streams, and reservoirs, with an estimate of about 70 million