Sold wastewater to be used for fracking

Wastewater from sewage lagoons in the town of Edson, Canada, is being sold to firms for the process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking), according to the Edson Leader. The process of fracking requires high levels of water, which is not suitable for use or for being released into the environment until it undergoes extensive treatment. The use of wastewater for the practice means that less fresh water will be utilised in the extraction of natural gas.

A pilot programme was implemented in 2012 by public works officials, reports the news provider. The water is taken from sewage lagoons and used by several oil and gas companies, including Shell Canada, as an alternative to saline or fresh water, which is usually used during fracking. Although wastewater selling for fracking is not a new idea, it has not been widely implemented. 

Brigitte Lemieux, town assistant chief administrator, told the news provider that roughly 50,000 cubic metres of wastewater will be sold this year, which could fetch the town around CA$100,000 (£59,989) in revenue. 

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) supports the sale of wastewater for use in fracking operations, according to Ogho Ikhalo, a spokesperson for the organisation. Mr Ikhalo told the news provider that the reuse of municipal water was a good alternative to use fresh or saline water for fracking. The reduced need for fresh water can help to conserve aquifers and protect rivers and streams.

With so much focus being placed on the overuse of fresh and groundwater and the use of fracking as a method of extracting natural gas, which is fast becoming a sought after fuel throughout the world, the reuse of wastewater could prove highly beneficial. Not only will its sale bring money to towns, but it can help to preserve water levels and allow the growth of the industry and the wider use of natural gas, which produces low amounts of emissions.