chevron’s approach to protecting this critical natural resource

In Alberta and British Columbia, Chevron Canada uses water in its hydraulic fracturing operations. Currently, we meet our water needs through a variety of freshwater sources, including groundwater wells, creeks and rivers.

Chevron Canada understands concerns around freshwater use by industry, and we are pursuing a longer-term strategy of identifying and assessing non-potable sources to reduce or eliminate our reliance on potable freshwater. These sources include recycled flowback and produced or process water, identification and production of non-potable groundwater sources, use of treated municipal or industrial wastewater and effluent, and exploration for deep groundwater saline sources.

Chevron Canada's water management strategy identifies three phases where we can work towards improving our performance: sourcing, recycling/reusing, and disposal.

phase I: sourcing

We conduct research and complete a thorough assessment to determine suitable water resources for a project. In the Kaybob Duvernay Program, we are exploring using a variety of sources that may include surface water, shallow and deep non-potable groundwater, as well as deep saline and treated municipal and industrial effluent. We are also working with other operators in the area to identify opportunities to collaborate, including sharing infrastructure.

phase II: recycling and reuse

Flowback from the hydraulic fracturing process, and produced water from the operational phase, can be recycled if it meets certain chemistry and quality requirements. We are evaluating existing and emerging on-site flowback and produced water recycling technologies for potential use in the Kaybob Duvernay Program.

phase III: disposal

During the Kaybob Duvernay Program, any volumes of flowback water requiring disposal will be transported by truck to third-party waste management operators for disposal. We dispose all flowback water in accordance with government regulations at designated facilities.