Global engineering, consulting and construction leader in human critical infrastructure strengthens engagement with the produced water community and the Permian Basin

The Produced Water Society (PWS) is pleased to welcome Black & Veatch as a Corporate Member for the 2026–2027 membership year, further strengthening the Society’s network of industry leaders committed to advancing responsibly produced water management, technical innovation and collaboration.

Founded in 1990, the Produced Water Society is a global, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to improving the management and disposition of produced water. Through conferences, technical education, research and industry engagement, PWS brings together operators, technology providers, engineers, regulators, researchers and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and address the evolving challenges and opportunities associated with produced water.

Black & Veatch is a 100% employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with more than a century of experience delivering critical infrastructure across the energy, water and industrial markets.

At the intersection of water and energy, Black & Veatch brings experience in produced water treatment, recovery and reuse, applying integrated engineering and infrastructure capabilities to help address the increasingly complex water needs in the Permian Basin.

Black & Veatch is growing its presence in the Permian Basin by bringing together deep water and energy infrastructure expertise with Bird Electric’s established electrical construction capabilities in West Texas. The companies are supporting and pursuing work spanning produced-water infrastructure, power distribution and other critical infrastructure needs, giving clients access to capabilities that can extend from early engineering and planning through construction and execution.

Expanding Engagement in the Permian Basin

Leading Black & Veatch’s regional efforts is Saood Baig, director of Permian Basin, who brings more than 20 years of global engineering and project experience across refining, petrochemicals, utilities and advanced energy systems.

Baig’s role focuses on connecting Black & Veatch’s extensive technical capabilities with the infrastructure needs and opportunities of the Permian Basin, one of the world’s most significant energy-producing regions.

As produced water management evolves beyond traditional disposal toward increased recycling, advanced treatment, beneficial reuse and long-term infrastructure planning, collaboration among industry participants has become increasingly important.

Black & Veatch’s corporate membership provides an opportunity to engage with the Produced Water Society’s global network and participate in the technical discussions, educational initiatives and professional relationships shaping the future of the industry.

A Welcome from PWS Permian Basin Leadership

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Black & Veatch to the Produced Water Society family,” said Jonna D. Smoot, president of the Produced Water Society Permian Basin Chapter.

“One of the things that makes PWS so special is the extraordinary collection of people and organizations willing to share their knowledge, experience and ideas. Black & Veatch brings more than a century of engineering expertise, along with a genuine interest in being part of the conversations happening right here in the Permian.

“Saood’s leadership and enthusiasm for connecting people and opportunities across our region makes the addition of Black & Veatch an especially exciting addition to our community. We look forward to welcoming the Black & Veatch team, learning from their experience and working together to advance the conversations and solutions that matter to our industry.”

Editor’s Note: What is produced water? Produced water is water that comes to the surface during oil and natural gas production. It can include naturally occurring water from underground formations as well as fluids introduced during production. Depending on its characteristics, produced water can be managed through treatment, recycling, reuse or disposal.

About the Produced Water Society

The Produced Water Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, treatment and management of produced water. Through global and regional conferences, technical programming and professional engagement, PWS supports education, innovation and collaboration across the energy and water industries.

Learn more at www.producedwatersociety.com.

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is a 100-percent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in human critical infrastructure. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people around the world by addressing the resilience and reliability of our most important infrastructure and energy assets. Learn more about us at the Black & Veatch newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram