Water Based Drilling Lubes is designed to provide optimum lubricating properties. It is based on the total weight of the powder and highly disperse silicas. It is effective as both a metal to metal or wellbore boundary lubricant and as an extreme pressure bearing lubricant. It increases borehole stability by inhibiting the dispersion of water sensitive shales and plugs micro fractures in troublesome shales and decreases shale sloughing. It promotes the formation of thin, tough filter cakes while increasing filter cake lubricity. It is safe and prevents bit balling. It provides increased penetration rates.