Managing water use and giving back to the environment including highlighting challenges, lessons, and best practices encountered when companies implement efforts to become better stewards of freshwater resources.  Specific case studies related to Southwestern Energy’s “Freshwater Neutral” initiative achieved in 2016 within all operating divisions will be reviewed.

A small multi-discipline team evaluated all elements within the operational water life cycle, identifying cost-competitive ways to optimize the company’s freshwater usage.  Key  components  were:  1)  commitment  from  company  leadership  and  support across  all  operations;  2)  setting  achievable,  operational  goals;  3)  accounting  for  all  water  used;  4)  applying  new  completion  designs  and  technologies;  5)  increasing  the  use  of  alternative,  non-fresh  water,  and  6)  supporting  research  in  groundwater  protection   and   water   treatment   technologies.   This   reduced   freshwater requirements by up to 30% in some operating areas and saved the operator over $20 million US dollars. 

Another component was required in order for companies to completely offset the need for their remaining freshwater use, the importance of investing in conservation projects to improve fresh water resources within basins where operations are occurring. Achieving a freshwater neutral status requires improvements in everyday work practices and a change in the mindset of water management. The practices implemented will allow for the use of alternative water sources whenever economically and operationally feasible, and the conservation projects have added value to local communities