EPA's Study of Hydraulic Fracturing and Its Potential Impact on Drinking Water Resources

Executive Summary, Hydraulic Fracturing Study - Final Assessment 2016

This final assessment reviewed the available scientific literature and data to assess the potential for activities in the hydraulic fracturing water cycle to impact the quality or quantity of drinking water resources, and to identify factors that affect the frequency or severity of those impacts.

See Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States, Main Report & Appendices (EPA/600/R-16/236)

You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s About PDF page to learn more.

Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States, Executive Summary (PDF)(50 pp, 8 MB, 12/12/2016, EPA/600/R-16/236ES)