Water in Oil and Gas

The water and energy sectors, though commonly considered separately for the purposes of reporting and analysis, are becoming more intertwined. Growing water demand with global population expansion requires more energy to treat and transfer water. Likewise, emerging energy development technologies, both in oil and gas production and refining, are becoming increasingly water-intensive. Water jurisdiction and water rights in the United States varies across the country. Water intensity is an important challenge when looking at oil and gas development technologies, such as hydraulic fracturing. Produced fluids remain a challenge for operators in terms of recycling, treatment and disposal. Each oil well produces anywhere from 0.5 to 10 or more times more water than it does hydrocarbons.