This paper will discuss the use of brackish water as a new water resource for the development of unconventional oil and gas plays. Brackish water is a significant water resource that is currently not being utilized in industrial or commercial ventures. Water is also a key component of the hydraulic fracturing process. The water quality of the makeup water can affect the efficacy of the ability of the well to recover the final product. The water quality will potentially affect the ability scale formation within the fracture zone. In addition, water quality potentially accelerates the hydraulic fracturing chemistry.
We have developed a new process that results in the recovery of brackish water between 90% and 98% into a low TDS water that would be classified as a fresh water (less than 3,000 TDS). We utilize several new membrane process and chemical treatment techniques that allow for a very efficient process. This is being done at a cost much lower than reuse or recycling of produced water. This paper will provide overall water quality criteria for makeup water as well as how the treatment of brackish water can lower the overall cost of water management and provide a source of water that does not interfere with other environmental and industrial uses of water.