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Socorro Today
By the People, for the People
Earthquakes Spike in New Mexico's Permian Basin
Seismic activity has risen dramatically in the region, raising concerns about human-induced seismicity from oil and gas operations.
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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The Permian Basin region of New Mexico has seen a dramatic increase in earthquake activity in recent years, with the number of quakes spiking by as much as 700 percent in some areas. Scientists attribute this spike to human-induced seismicity, primarily from the reinjection of produced water from oil and gas operations back into the subsurface. While most of the quakes have been relatively small in magnitude, larger quakes have also been recorded, raising concerns about potential risks to public safety and infrastructure.
Why it matters
The sudden increase in seismic activity in the Permian Basin is a significant concern for New Mexico, as it could pose risks to public safety, damage infrastructure, and disrupt the state's vital oil and gas industry. Addressing the issue of induced seismicity is crucial for the state's economic and environmental well-being.
The details
According to Dr. Urbi Basu, a research scientist with the New Mexico Tech Seismological Observatory, earthquake frequency has been rising in New Mexico since 2018, with some areas seeing as many as 400 quakes per year. The majority of these quakes are small, with magnitudes less than 3, but larger quakes have also been recorded, including a magnitude 5.3 near Whites City, N.M., in May 2025 and a magnitude 5.0 near the Texas-New Mexico border in February 2025. The spike in seismic activity is attributed to the reinjection of produced water from oil and gas operations back into the subsurface, which can cause stress changes and trigger earthquakes.
- In 2018, the number of earthquakes in the Permian Basin region began to increase significantly.
- In the 365 days leading up to February 12, 2026, New Mexico has seen approximately 2,906 earthquakes with a magnitude 1.5 or greater.
- In the 30 days leading up to February 11, 2026, there were 736 earthquakes of all magnitudes recorded across the Permian Basin region of Texas and New Mexico.
The players
Dr. Urbi Basu
A research scientist with the New Mexico Tech Seismological Observatory who has been studying the increase in earthquake activity in the Permian Basin region.
New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Oil Conservation Division
The state agency responsible for regulating the oil and gas industry in New Mexico, including addressing the issue of induced seismicity.
New Mexico Desal Association
An organization advocating for the development of desalination technology to treat and reuse produced water from oil and gas operations in the state.
Pei Xu
The head of research at the New Mexico State University's Produced Water Research Consortium, which has been investigating the feasibility of cleaning and reusing produced water.
Tannis Fox
An attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center who has expressed concerns about the safety of reusing produced water.
What they’re saying
“Previously there was not much activity. Southeast New Mexico had very few and suddenly we are seeing a lot. They are not high magnitude but they are very frequent.”
— Dr. Urbi Basu, Research Scientist, New Mexico Tech Seismological Observatory (newspub.live)
“Protection of human health and the environment must be based on sound science, not profit-driven industry spin. The best science tells us the technology to effectively treat oil and gas wastewater at scale does not exist.”
— Tannis Fox, Attorney, Western Environmental Law Center (newspub.live)
“Can we clean that water? The answer is yes. We take it very seriously. Many people have concerns about the safety of the water. We went through an integrated, wholistic approach. It can be treated to a safe level.”
— Pei Xu, Head of Research, New Mexico State University's Produced Water Research Consortium (newspub.live)
What’s next
The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Oil Conservation Division has implemented a seismicity response protocol that requires increased monitoring and potential reductions in produced water injection when certain seismic thresholds are met. Additionally, the state legislature is considering a bill that would mandate the adoption of rules and permits for expanded produced water reuse, which could help address the issue of induced seismicity.
The takeaway
The dramatic increase in earthquake activity in New Mexico's Permian Basin highlights the need for a comprehensive, science-based approach to addressing the issue of induced seismicity. While the state has taken some steps to monitor and respond to the problem, finding sustainable solutions for produced water management, including increased reuse and treatment, will be crucial for mitigating the risks posed by human-induced earthquakes and supporting the long-term viability of the state's vital oil and gas industry.
