Midland's water woes: Texas' drilling dilemma

The clash between water conservation and oil drilling in the Permian Basin is reaching a critical juncture.

— Carlos Nogueras Ramos reports for The Texas Tribune.

In short:

• Midland faces a water crisis as oil companies consume vast amounts of groundwater, leaving local residents and agriculture struggling for supply.
• Concerns grow over potential environmental damage caused by excessive drilling.
• The city grapples with tough decisions on balancing economic interests with the urgent need to protect its water resources.

Key quote:

"I think in the greater context, we’re seeing a lot of problems with these underground injection wells. It seems like something that’s not safe to do so close to the water supply."

— Virginia Palacios, executive director of Commission Shift, an environmental watchdog group

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