How New Mexico is Turning Toxic Waste into a Valuable Resource for the Oil Industry
By Valerie Volcovici
Discover how the tiny town of Jal is transforming toxic wastewater from the oil industry into a valuable water source in the heart of U.S. oil country. Join us on a helicopter tour with Stephen Aldridge as we explore the potential of treated produced water in New Mexico's booming drilling industry.
Did you know that in 2022, the oil and gas industry in New Mexico produced enough toxic fracking wastewater to cover 266,000 acres of land a foot deep? While the state's drillers reuse over 85% of this water, the rest is pumped underground. With injection wells filling up and causing earthquakes, New Mexico is now expected to export over 3 million barrels of water per day by 2024.
But there is hope on the horizon. Around 10 wastewater treatment firms in New Mexico are taking up the challenge to treat and reuse this water, with projects already underway to grow crops like hemp and cotton and irrigate rangeland forage grasses. However, the technology is currently too expensive for widespread adoption.
The debate over how this water should be used is one of the most divisive political questions facing New Mexico, with concerns about human health consequences and subsidizing the oil industry's waste issue. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham introduced legislation last year to create a strategic water reserve out of treated produced water, but it was defeated by state lawmakers.
Neighboring Texas is also facing challenges with wastewater disposal, raising worries about a potential crackdown there too. The Permian basin, which straddles Texas and New Mexico, is the top U.S. oilfield.
Join us on a journey with Aris Water Solutions, a company leading the way in treating produced water. With their innovative technology, they are turning dangerous wastewater into crystal clear water fit for industrial and agricultural uses. Their goal is to create a new water resource for the Permian region, but cost remains a major challenge.
While treated water may never be cheap, it could become viable if it becomes cheaper than disposal. Companies like Zwitter are optimistic about the future of treated produced water and its potential to revolutionize the water industry in New Mexico.
Stay tuned as New Mexico navigates this critical issue and transforms toxic waste into a valuable resource for the oil industry and beyond.
Analysis: New Mexico is facing a growing challenge with toxic wastewater from the oil industry, but there is hope on the horizon with innovative companies working to treat and reuse this water. The potential for treated produced water to become a valuable resource for the region is promising, but cost and political challenges remain. As these technologies develop and become more affordable, they could have a significant impact on water management in the state, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
Unlocking the Future of Desalination: The Key to Saving Millions in Disposal Costs
In a groundbreaking report, it was revealed that the value of desalination could soar to $2 to $3 per barrel of water in the near future. This significant increase is driven by the need to save on disposal costs, which currently only amount to cents per barrel. As injection sites become full and waste needs to be transported further distances, the costs of disposal are expected to skyrocket.
Aris, a leading company in the industry, has formed strategic partnerships with major oil players like Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Exxon Mobil to develop innovative technologies for treating produced water for potential reuse. Exxon subsidiary XTO has also joined forces with Infinity Water Solutions to pilot a project in the Permian basin.
According to Michael Dyson, CEO of Infinity Water Solutions, the true value of water only becomes apparent when it is scarce. As the industry continues to explore water treatment solutions, concerns about safety risks and undisclosed chemicals remain at the forefront.
Avner Vengosh, an environmental quality expert at Duke University, highlighted the importance of thorough testing and evaluation of contaminants in produced water. While advancements in technology have improved water treatment processes, the industry must proceed with caution to avoid potential pitfalls.
As the state of New Mexico revises its Produced Water Act and expands research and development efforts, the debate over water reuse rules intensifies. Environmental groups and scientists are divided on the safety of treated produced water, with past environmental disasters casting a shadow of doubt over the industry's promises.
Despite the skepticism, advocates like Daniel Tso and James Kenney believe that with proper regulation and technological advancements, treated produced water can be a valuable resource for industries and communities. The potential for economic growth and sustainability through water reuse is a driving force for many, including residents of rural towns like Jal.
In the quest for a sustainable future, the importance of responsible water management cannot be overstated. By leveraging innovative technologies and stringent regulations, the industry can unlock the true potential of desalination and pave the way for a greener, more prosperous tomorrow.