Fracking water use may lead to droughts (yes, in Ohio) (Zanesville: 2014, agriculture)

[RiverLover11]

Not good.


June 14. 2014

"ZANESVILLE — With some groups touting the economic benefit hydraulic fracturing could have locally, scientists fear the effect of current trends for the future of the Muskingum River Watershed.

...If only 65 percent of available water is there to act as a buffer, the area, which can currently stand up to months of drought, would only be able to withstand a few weeks(without rain) without serious problems for animals and humans.

“The available water, I perceive it as the watershed’s feed corn. It’s the buffer against any dramatic events,” he said. “If you start to screw around with that water, you’re talking about messing with the watershed’s ability to sustain life ... I worry about agriculture, I worry about the wildlife that depends on the watershed, and I think on some level the chances you would have (water advisories) if you have these droughts.”


A 2003 report by the General Accounting’s Office to congressional requesters on the country’s freshwater supply also predicted droughts, not caused by hydraulic fracturing, but caused by climate change.


“If anticipated water shortages actually occur, they could have severe economic, environmental and social impacts,” the report says.
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/...nclick_check=1


Also, Report finds fracking drains water from drought-stricken states | Al Jazeera America