A leading water industry body is to work with shale gas firms to minimise the impact of fracking on the country’s water resources.
Water UK, which represents the industry in Britain, has agreed a memorandum of understanding with onshore oil and gas developers over how best to protect the country’s water table.
Fears that the chemicals used in shale gas and oil extraction can cause pollution and damage water supply have long been among the criticisms levelled by anti-fracking campaigners.
The industry body said it had reviewed recent research into shale gas extraction, and admitted there were potential risks to the water and wastewater supplies.
However, chief executive Pamela Taylor said the group was confident those risks could be mitigated with proper regulation and enforcement.
“Our members are determined to ensure any potential risks of shale gas extraction are minimised,” she said.
“The MoU gives water companies a crucial extra layer of safeguards on top of the existing regulations to help ensure water supplies and the environment are protected.”
The agreement will see Water UK working with shale firms to monitor impact on local water resources and identify risks for potential fracking sites, along with working to establish the best way to dispose of waste water.
“This agreement with Water UK should give reassurance to local communities that the development of shale gas in the UK can proceed with minimal impact upon the local water and waste services,” said Ken Cronin, chief executive of the UK onshore operators group.
“The environmental regulation covering the onshore oil and gas industry in the UK is among the most stringent in the world and, in addition, the industry has agreed to tough and transparent guidelines on how we operate and interact with local communities.”
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