After it was discovered that water could artifically induce earthquakes in Denver
and Rangely (see answer above), some thought was given to this possibility.
Unfortunately, the energy requirements just don't match up. To relieve the
stress of a Mw 7 that might occur every 50 years, you would have to induce 27,000
Ml 4.0 earthquakes or 810,000 3's. This would be 46 Ml 3s on the fault each day or
aabout 2 M4s each day. The public wouldn't stand for it, and there is always
the danger that one of the induced earthquakes would go on to trigger an
even larger quake capable of great damage. Would you want to have to answer
the lawsuits after that happened?
The risks and inconvenience are too great for any public official to accept.