Mexico conducts water studies ahead of potential fracking

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the federal government has drilled a deep well to analyze the characteristics and availability of underground water. This study is a preliminary step to determine the viability of extracting unconventional natural gas through hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

The investigation aims to identify the type, quantity, and quality of water at great depths to ensure that gas exploitation does not pose a contamination risk to aquifers. Sheinbaum noted that the results of this phase will inform future decisions regarding unconventional gas projects, though additional studies are required to evaluate overall feasibility.

Additionally, the government is investigating whether water used in potential fracking operations could be recycled to minimize pressure on existing water supplies. A definitive decision on gas exploitation using this technique has not yet been made.