[Ghost of SVR4]

If it messes up water supply, don’t frack.

The whole well water contamination schtick was rampant in my area. It was very difficult to change some peoples minds that their "well" was not tapped down to 6000 ft. Out my way, Marcellus fracks from 6000 to 4000 depths in a spider web type pattern. There are now three fracking rigs in a 10 mile square area and let me tell you, all sorts of new toys are showing up around this area and lots of home improvements. The royalties are kicking in.

Side note, does anyone know (realistically) how long a well can actually produce for? (broad question, I know, just looking for an average is all).

[Milton Miteybad]

Side note, does anyone know (realistically) how long a well can actually produce for? (broad question, I know, just looking for an average is all).

In the Marcellus...maybe 10-15 years, and it might not be producing in paying quantities for the last 5 years of that period. The production decline curve for Marcellus wells is quite steep.

[SaxxonWoods]

Side note, does anyone know (realistically) how long a well can actually produce for? (broad question, I know, just looking for an average is all).

Twenty to thirty years for nat gas (don’t know about oil), but there is a marked dropoff after about 6 months and a slow decline from then on.

The price of gas makes more difference to my checks than the decline now that I’m well past the first 6 months and about 4 years into the production under my rights.