Visualizing Changes in Water Consumption During the Pennsylvania Coal-to-Gas Transition

The map and chart below supplement a new working paper co-authored by researchers at Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, the University of Calgary, and Havard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, that examines the water implications of energy production and generation choices in Pennsylvania.

"Annual Water Consumption" presents annual water consumption, and changes in annual water consumption, associated with fuel extraction and power generation within Pennsylvania watersheds from 2009 to 2012. To view annual water consumption, in millions of gallons, select a year from the drop down menu in the grey box to the left and then a sector. To view other details, click directly on the sub-basins located in the middle of the map. Shale gas wells, coal mines, and power plant locations can be overlayed onto the map.

The "Monthly Water Consumption" chart shows changes in water consumption for each sub-basin. Select a river basin from the drop down menu in the grey box to the left, then a river basin. Move your cursor over the chart to see how water consumption (in millions of gallons) changes for each sector and fuel type by month. Zoom in using the tabs at the bottom of the chart.

The map and chart work in tandem to show changes in water consumption across space and through time within a sub-basin.

Annual Water Consumption

Key Takeaways

• Water consumed for hydraulic fracturing increased in southwest and northeast Pennsylvania.
• Water consumed for natural gas power generation increased in the metropolitan areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburg.
• Water consumed for coal power generation decreased in most areas.
• Changes in total water consumption varied across the state, depending on the presence of natural gas resources and on current power-generating infrastructure.

Monthly Water Consumption

Key Takeaways

• Monthly variation in water consumption within a sub-basin can be large.
• When present, coal power is often the predominant water consumer.
• Prior to hydraulic fracturing, some sub-basins had no water consumption related to fossil fuel extraction or power generation.
• Context matters. During the early years of the oil-to-gas transition changes in water consumption varied widely over time and across sub-basins. The variation is dependent on the presence of natural gas resources and on current power-generating infrastructure.