Searching for the right mix of shale' and water: Operators are finding solutions to their water management challenges in US shale plays

摘要

No one is talking crisis, but water is very much on the mind of every company developing US shale plays. This is both a practical issue and one permeated with infrastructure and ecological sensitivities that must be managed with care. The oil and gas industry is being proactive because it is clear that current water management practices are likely to be unsustainable over time. Arguably, the industry is at a crossroads where the continuing success of developing shale oil and gas plays may depend on companies revising their water strategies through the accelerated adoption of emerging water treatment technologies. Systemic changes to daily operating protocols will be required to alleviate logistical and environmental stresses while providing sustainable sourcing options, thereby securing the long-term future of this vital resource.