While waiting transport, natural gas is often stored in natural underground storage areas. Natural gas is stored in porous and permeable sandstones that are covered by caprock, which prevents gas from migrating out of the storage reservoir. Wells are drilled into the sandstone reservoir, for the injection and withdrawal of natural gas. Then, gas is brought in from the pipeline and injected into the sandstone reservoir, by compressing the gas through the wells. When large quantities of natural gas are needed during periods of extreme cold, gas is withdrawn from the reservoir, compressed, and water removed. The natural gas is then shipped by pipeline to market. (Information from Colorado Interstate Gas)

Compressed to an average of 700 to 950 pounds per square inch, gas moves through the pipeline at about 15 miles an hour. At the "City Gate" or the edge of town, the gas passes through a metering station to measure the quantity delivered to the local utility. The pressure is reduced and an odorant is added to the gas to help consumers identify a gas leak.

The natural gas then moves into distribution lines, or "mains", that range from 2 inches to 24 inches in diameter, Sections of the distribution system operate at different pressures, with regulators controlling the flow. Generally, the closer natural gas gets to the customer, the smaller the pipe and the lower the pressure. When natural gas reaches a typical home, its service line is one inch or less in diameter, and its pressure is between 60 pounds and 1/4 pound.

the benefits of natural gas as an energy fuel
how natural gas is currently delivered to the city.
ideas for the future of the natural gas industry