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Water basin with piping around the edge, at sunsetWater basin with piping around the edge, at sunset

Improving water management in the Permian Basin 

A major oil and gas developer strengthened its drilling operations with reliable, cost-effective water storage and supply systems designed and built by CDM Smith. 

Client

Confidential Client

Location

Permian Basin, Texas

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Kevin Molloy PG
Geologist

Enhancing water reliability for large-scale unconventional oil and gas operations 

In the arid Texas Permian Basin, reliable access to water is essential for efficient drilling. Since 2015, CDM Smith has helped improve how water is stored, blended, and delivered across a developer’s operations, thus ensuring consistent supplies and reducing leaks, failures, and freshwater purchase risks. 

Standardizing storage installations 

CDM Smith developed consistent impoundment designs, helping streamline installation procedures and reduce storage site failures. 

Building durable impoundments 

Four impoundments including freshwater, brackish, and produced water ponds were designed for long-term integrity. 

Ensuring construction quality

Soil sampling, compaction verification, and nuclear density testing were completed to maintain quality assurance. 

Delivering sustainable water supply 

High-volume brackish wells were built to reduce dependence on purchased freshwater and offset construction costs. 

With more than $4 million in water infrastructure improvements completed, durable storage ponds and high-volume brackish wells now support ongoing drilling and completions. Standardized designs, rigorous construction practices, and improved sourcing have strengthened operational reliability while reducing freshwater use. The program continues to advance the developer’s long-term strategy for resilient and cost-effective water management in the Permian Basin.  

Curious to learn more?

Connect with an expert to find out how we delivered this project.

Molloy_Kevin.jpg

Kevin Molloy

Geologist

Kevin has decades of experience delivering complex projects for refineries, petrochemical plants, terminals, and remediation programs worldwide. A hydrogeologist by training, he drives integrated solutions that prioritize safety, compliance, and long-term performance.

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