New Mexico Considers Treating Oil Wastewater Amid Drought
New Mexico is exploring the treatment of oil wastewater as a potential solution to its ongoing drought, with plans to regulate its use for agricultural purposes. However, concerns about safety and costs remain significant challenges.
| Score | Value |
|---|---|
Scale | 7 |
Novelty | 7 |
Positivity | 5 |
Reliability | 6 |
Actionability | 6 |
Society | 8 |
Journalism | 5 |
Highlights
- 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.
- New Mexico is expected to export over 3 million barrels of produced water per day by the end of 2024.
- The state has begun restricting deep-underground disposal of wastewater due to triggered earthquakes.
- Around 10 wastewater treatment firms in New Mexico are working on pilot projects to treat produced water for agricultural use.
- New Mexico's Governor introduced legislation to create a strategic water reserve from treated produced water, which was defeated but will be reintroduced.
Perspectives
- Some local politicians and industry leaders advocate for the treatment and reuse of produced water, viewing it as a necessary resource for agriculture and industry in a drought-stricken state. [2][3]
- Opponents express significant concerns regarding the potential health risks associated with using treated produced water, emphasizing the need for thorough safety evaluations and transparency about contaminants. [1][2]