Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, continues to be a controversial topic in the U.S. The creation of a domestic energy source is one side of the debate; on the other is the argument that fracking methods pose a threat to water, air, land and the health of communities.
Fracking technologies have advanced despite this controversy, and the nation's natural gas reserves have grown: According to the Energy Information Administration, shale gas fields in the U.S are said to contain enough natural gas to power the country for 110 years.
Last week, Bluefield Research released a new report on water management for hydraulic fracturing. The report, titled “Water for U.S. Hydraulic Fracturing: Competitive Strategies, Solutions & Outlook, 2014-2020,” provides an analysis of the rapidly changing U.S. landscape for fracking water solutions and business strategies. Some key highlights of the report include:
• The U.S. fracking industry will spend $6.38 billion on water management in 2014.
• Water treatment market for fracking will grow from $138 million in 2014 to $357 million in 2020.
• Shifting regulation in 31 states, water supply risk and alternative water solutions for fracking are driving competition along a fragmented value chain.
