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