The precautionary principle and the human right to access to water. The case of the exploration and exploitation of shale gas in Tamaulipas

Abstract

Identification of unconventional shale gas reservoir in the state of Tamaulipas and the opening of Mexican oil industry through the energy reform make possible the exploration and exploitation of this type of gas. However, its extraction requires use of hydraulic fracturing or fracking which is considered highly polluting. This technique used large volumes of water resource and produces wastewater affecting the water quality and availability for the population and ecosystems. Therefore, it is necessary to apply the precautionary principle because this industrial activity put in danger the human right to access to water.