Wastewater injection is the process of pumping contaminated brine water leftover from hydraulic fracturing back into the ground for long-term storage. Currently, injection disposal wells are the most affordable and efficient method of disposing the wastewater. However, the injection of wastewater has sparked serious environmental concerns.

• Many scientists agree that water is Earth's most valuable resource. Injecting wastewater deep into the ground removes this vital natural resource from the hydrologic cycle, preventing it from being used for human consumption or even agriculture. In 2015, a whopping 1.5 billion barrels of wastewater was injected in Oklahoma alone. According to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, 2.4 million barrels were imported from neighboring states. There are about 4,500 disposal wells in Oklahoma.
• Another major concern resulting from wastewater injection is induced seismic activity. In 2015, Oklahoma led the world in the number of earthquakes (with more than 5,000). Last year, Oklahoma experienced 623 magnitude 3+ earthquakes--including a state-record breaking 5.8 magnitude earthquake back in September. The Oklahoma Geological Survey determined earthquakes are very likely being triggered by the injection of produced water in disposal wells.

Current methods to recycle and reuse wastewater are unrealistic and unaffordable for large oil companies. More research and innovation is necessary to develop an effective alternative to wastewater injection.

By signing this petition below, I support efforts to limit unnecessary wastewater injection and highly encourage research into effective and affordable alternatives.