Texas Orphan Oil and Gas Wells
Assessing Potential Groundwater Contamination in Texas from Orphaned Wells
Texas, infamous for its rampant oil and gas development, has seen over a million wells drilled, posing significant environmental risks.
Texas Oil and Gas Wells by County 2024
There are nearly 9,000 documented wells that are left abandoned and unplugged, with estimates reaching 150,000 in Texas alone.
What are Orphan Oil and Gas Wells?
This Retired Oil Exec Wants to Plug Up Millions of Abandoned Wells Across the US
Orphan oil wells are non-producing unplugged oil and gas wells that have been abandoned by the oil industry.
Texas Orphan Oil and Gas Wells 2024
Unplugged wells can leak oil and hazardous chemicals into ground water supply that livestock, agriculture, and rural communities rely on. These hazardous chemicals include:
•Benzene
•Toluene
•Ethylbenzene
•Xylenes
Why protecting Texas's ground water is important.
Water is crucial in Texas due to its significant environmental, economic, and social roles. Agriculture, a cornerstone of the state's economy, relies heavily on water for irrigation of crops like cotton, corn, and wheat, as well as for livestock, which need water for drinking and sanitation.
Aquifers in Texas
Domestic water wells are private wells that provide water for household use, including drinking, cooking, bathing, washing, and irrigation of home gardens and lawns. These wells are typically owned and maintained by individual homeowners
Texas Counties Domestic Water Wells 2024
Livestock water wells are specialized wells designed to provide a reliable source of water for animals, particularly on farms and ranches. These wells are essential for ensuring that livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and poultry have access to clean and sufficient water, which is crucial for their health, productivity, and well-being
Texas Counties Livestock Water Wells 2024
Irrigation water wells are wells specifically designed to supply water for agricultural irrigation purposes. These wells play a critical role in farming by providing a reliable source of water to irrigate crops, which is especially important in regions with limited rainfall or during dry seasons.
Texas Counties Irrigation Water Wells 2024
Examining the distribution and impact of orphan oil and gas wells versus domestic water wells reveals key differences in environmental risks, management challenges, and regulatory needs across counties.
Comparing Orphan Oil and Gas Wells to Domestic Water Wells by County
Analyzing the differences between orphan oil and gas wells and livestock water wells highlights distinct environmental impacts, management challenges, and regulatory requirements for each type of well across counties.
Comparing Orphan Oil and Gas Wells to Livestock Water Wells
Analyzing the differences between orphan oil and gas wells and irrigation water wells highlights the unique environmental impacts, management challenges, and regulatory requirements for each type of well across counties.
Comparing Orphan Oil and Gas Wells to Irrigation Water Wells