"Fracking's Thirst: American Groundwater Depleted by Oil and Gas Extraction"

The oil and gas industry's increasing demand for water, particularly for fracking, is exacerbating the depletion of America's endangered aquifers, which are already being drained by industrial farming and cities. The amount of water consumed by fracking wells has surged to record levels, with operators using about 1.5 trillion gallons of water since 2011, much of it from aquifers. Mega fracking projects, known as "monster fracks," have become the industry norm, accounting for almost two-thirds of fracking wells in Texas. The problem is particularly acute in Texas, where groundwater supply is expected to drop by one-third by 2070. Critics argue that it is ironic to divert so much water for fossil fuel production, given that burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change and strains freshwater resources.