Stephen Aldridge, Mayor of Jal, New Mexico, Sees Opportunity in Toxic Wastewater Crisis
In the heart of U.S. oil country, the desert landscape of southeastern New Mexico is dotted with toxic man-made lagoons filled with wastewater from the booming drilling industry. Stephen Aldridge, Mayor of tiny Jal, sees this as an opportunity rather than a problem. He believes that the millions of gallons of produced water could be treated and used, providing a much-needed source of water in a state suffering from drought.
The debate over how to handle this produced water is heating up in New Mexico. While some politicians advocate for regulations allowing for treatment and reuse, others are concerned about the potential health risks and the cost of subsidizing the oil industry’s waste problem. Despite the challenges, there are pilot programs underway to explore the feasibility of using treated produced water for agriculture and other purposes.
One company, Aris Water Solutions, has developed a treatment technology that can turn toxic wastewater into crystal clear water fit for industrial and agricultural use. However, the cost of treating the water remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption. Companies like Aris are working to bring down costs and make treated water more competitive with traditional water sources.
As New Mexico grapples with how to manage its growing wastewater problem, neighboring states like Texas are also facing similar challenges. The Permian basin, which straddles both states, is the top U.S. oilfield and is at risk of reaching a critical point in terms of wastewater disposal.
Overall, the issue of treated produced water has the potential to impact not only the oil and gas industry but also agriculture and other water users in the region. Finding cost-effective and safe ways to treat and reuse this wastewater could be key to addressing water scarcity and environmental concerns in the area. Unlocking the Value of Desalination in the Permian Basin: A Game-Changer for the Oil Industry
The future of the oil industry in the Permian Basin could be revolutionized by the value of desalination, potentially saving disposal costs ranging from $2 to $3 per barrel of water. Currently, disposal costs are minimal, but as injection sites reach capacity, the costs could skyrocket as waste needs to be transported over longer distances.
Aris, in collaboration with major oil players such as Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Exxon Mobil, is spearheading the development of cutting-edge technologies for treating produced water for reuse. Exxon subsidiary XTO has also joined forces with Infinity Water Solutions to pilot water treatment projects in the Permian.
Infinity CEO Michael Dyson emphasized the importance of water scarcity, stating, “The H2O molecule has no value until you run out of it.” However, concerns about safety risks loom large, with experts highlighting the need for rigorous testing of produced water to ensure the removal of all contaminants.
Despite the potential benefits of water reuse, environmental groups and scientists remain skeptical, citing past environmental disasters like uranium mining. New Mexico’s environment secretary, James Kenney, remains optimistic about the safety of treated produced water but acknowledges the state’s history of failing to protect public health.
As the debate over water reuse continues, the residents of rural towns like Jal are caught in the middle, torn between the promise of economic growth and the fear of environmental harm. Ultimately, the decision to embrace water reuse technologies will shape the future of the Permian Basin and its communities.