A June 17 Associated Press article reports that "fracking presents new strains on water supplies in some drought-stricken areas of the U.S."

The article states:

While fracking typically consumes less water than farming or residential uses, the exploration method is increasing competition for the precious resource, driving up the price of water and burdening already depleted aquifers and rivers in certain drought-stricken stretches.

WASHINGTON (EPA) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) independent Science Advisory Board (SAB)  announced March 25 the formation of its Hydraulic Fracturing Research Advisory panel. This panel of independent experts will peer review EPA’s 2014 draft report of results for its national study on any potential health and environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. Leading up to the peer review, the SAB panel will provide scientific feedback on EPA’s research in an open and transparent manner.