Hydrofracturing is only used in bedrock formations and is a
water well development process that involves injecting large
volumes of water under high pressure through the well into the
bedrock formation immediately surrounding it. The desired result
of this well "stimulation" is to widen existing fractures in the
bedrock and/or extend them further into the formation. By
enlarging the network of water bearing fractures supplying water
to the well, it is hoped to realize an increase in the water
production. Hydrofracturing can be a cost effective means of
increasing the yield of newly drilled wells with insufficient
production rates or for existing older wells with production
rates that have progressively become lower due to mineralization
of existing bedrock fractures. Originally developed for use in
the oil industry, hydrofracturing is relatively new to the
drinking water well industry. Due to its more controllable
process, hydrofracturing is now the preferred method of many
contractors for developing bedrock.