Taming Toxic Waters: Turning Oil Byproduct into Usable Resource in New Mexico

Stephen Aldridge's observation of numerous toxic wastewater lagoons in southeastern New Mexico's oil-rich region highlights a pressing environmental issue. The state’s policymakers are working on ways to treat and reuse this fracking byproduct. Despite technological progress, financial and political hurdles remain, along with significant safety and health concerns.

Flying over southeastern New Mexico's desert landscape in a four-seat helicopter, Stephen Aldridge counted around a dozen man-made lagoons filled with toxic wastewater shimmering between drill rigs and pumpjacks.

New Mexico, already struggling with drought, sees the wastewater from its booming drilling industry as a potential water source. Mayor Aldridge and other politicians are pushing for regulations to treat and reuse millions of gallons of this 'produced water' daily discarded in the Permian basin. The state's 2022 oil and gas operations produced enough toxic wastewater to cover 266,000 acres a foot deep, with over 85% reused but the rest requiring disposal underground, sparking earthquakes and other risks.

Aldridge's tour to a wastewater treatment pilot site run by Aris Water Solutions revealed advanced technology transforming harmful water into clear, usable water. Despite technological advances, the treatment process remains costly. Political debates and safety concerns persist as the state seeks to expand regulations and use treated water for agriculture and other purposes.

(With inputs from agencies.)