Fracturing fluid

Marcellus frac fresh water impoundment in Greene Co., Pennsylvania
Photo courtesy of Energy Corp. of America

Typical drilling fluid used for hydro-fracturing wells drilled in the Marcellus shale formation is approximately 99.5% water and sand. The remainder consists of chemicals that are for the most part non-toxic similar to those used in swimming pools and shampoos. The water, sand and chemicals are trucked in. A typical fresh water impoundment holds 2 to 3 million gallons, but can run as high as 10 million.