Current Events in Business Research
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Current Events in Business Research
The following discusses water quality in the Texas oilfields and what can be done to get more efficient methods for its use and reuse. West Texas is a prime example of a Texas area that is definitely affected by poor water quality. New technologies will soon help to solve this issue for a better future for its residents.
Research Problem or Purpose
The research problem presented is that the quality of water is substandard in the West Texas or Permian Basin as some would call it. The water used for residential propose has a constant smell of chlorine to it and tastes awful to drink requiring most residents to either install a reverse osmosis system or use bottled water for drinking. The biggest problem present is that it is more expensive to recycle water vs. using so called “fresh water” that is of lower quality. “Recycling is expensive because the water that comes out of the oilfields needs a good cleaning before it is reused” (Galbraith, 2013). Certain jobs in the oilfield, fracking in particular can require millions of gallons of water with have numerous dangerous chemicals added to it causing a shortage in the city’s water supply. This can be a major issue due to the already over population stemmed from the oil boom itself.
Methods Used in the Research
A study published by the Texas Water Development board found that recycling was very minimum is regions where drilling and servicing occur. “According to the study, recycled and reused water accounted for 2 percent of the total water used in the Permian Basin around Midland” (Galbraith, 2013). Other areas resulted in as little as zero recycled water used all the way up to as much as 20 percent. These findings were written by the University of Texas researchers with funding for the research by the Texas Oil and gas Association.
How The Research is Solving the Problem
The research that is being conducted of water quantity and quality is benefiting the affected areas in several ways. First and foremost, the research has brought the issues up to open the eyes of the industry leaders all the way down to the residents of the community. Without the research being done in the first place, little to no attention would have been paid to this issue which has become a major problem in the Permian Basin. Water quality issues have now acquired the attention of all to not only do what is ethically right but also better the areas in which the U.S, rely on heavily as a major source of income from its natural resources. It has turned out that although expensive, the benefits outweigh the costs in an area that is hardly hurting financially. This issue has now got the attention of major players that have the ability to make a difference. Warren Summer, the Chief Executive of Omni Water Supply even had comments to say when he made a visit to a production site location. “The recycled water was free of chlorine and hardness, and you’d be amazed how good you feel-especially after washing your hair” (Galbraith, 2013). With attention the research provided, industry leaders now understand are doing the necessary needs to ensure they make the areas of operation better than they found it when they leave.
Other Potential Research Applications
Other potential research applications include more and more getting involved in the industry. This awareness has gone from West Texas to many areas in the oil patch across the United States. The hope is that this awareness will lead to incentives for water recycle facilities. According to John Tintera “If you spend $25,000 recycling, perhaps you get for that well a $ 25,000 break in your severance tax” (Galbraith, 2013). This is a great idea due to the oil industry having such a hard time getting incentives due to the mass amounts of money these companies produce each year. These companies now have a cost effective reason to do the right thing by not only the towns they occupy but the environment itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article sparked interest and awareness not only as an environmental issue but on a personal level as well. Being that my family currently resides in Midland Texas and is currently employment through the oil and gas industry it has opened my eyes to topics where before I was ignorant to. I can relate to the water quality issues here and after reviewing this article I now want to look more into programs locally so that I and the company I work for can also be a part of a solution to make our city better.

References
Galbraith, K. (2013, March 19). In Texas, Recycling Oilfield Water Has Far To Go. The Texas

Tribune, p. 3.