Oil and gas giant BP is evaluating potential future investments in new technologies to reduce water use in its process and how wastewater is treated.

BP uses water in its drilling, hydraulic fracturing and oil sands operations and 40 per cent of its activity is located in areas where the availability of fresh water is considered stressed, based on the IPIECA Global Water Tool.

The firm's operations are required to identify environmental and social impacts and assess potential opportunities to manage those impacts, including any resulting from water withdrawal or discharges. It is therefore "reviewing opportunities to improve efficiencies in water management and improve wastewater treatment in its operations."

BP has commissioned research on water use and allocation in the Middle East and more detailed research is being undertaken in Jordan, Iraq, UAE and Oman over the coming year. This will give BP a basis for planning water needs for oil and gas developments in the region.