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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 2017

Registration No. 333-216404

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Amendment No. 4
to

Form S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Select Energy Services, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

1820 North I-35, P.O. Box 1715
Gainesville, Texas 76241
(940) 668-0259
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

John D. Schmitz
1820 North I-35, P.O. Box 1715
Gainesville, Texas 76241
(940) 668-0259
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

         If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box:    o

         If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

         If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

         If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

         If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. o

         The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED APRIL 17, 2017

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

10,600,000 Shares

Select Energy Services, Inc.

CLASS A COMMON STOCK

        This is the initial public offering of the Class A common stock of Select Energy Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation. We are offering 10,600,000 shares of our Class A common stock. No public market currently exists for our Class A common stock. We are an "emerging growth company" as that term is used in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, and as such, we have elected to take advantage of certain reduced public company reporting requirements for this prospectus and future filings. Please see "Risk Factors" and "Summary—Emerging Growth Company Status."

        We have been approved to list our Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WTTR."

        We anticipate that the initial public offering price of our Class A common stock will be between $15.00 and $18.00 per share.

        Investing in our Class A common stock involves risks. Please see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 24 of this prospectus.

(1)

We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for up to $20,000 of fees and expenses of counsel related to the review by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. of the terms of sale of the Class A common stock offered hereby. We refer you to "Underwriting" beginning on page 154 of this prospectus for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.

        The selling shareholders have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to 1,590,000 additional shares of Class A common stock on the same terms and conditions set forth above if the underwriters sell more than 10,600,000 shares of Class A common stock in this offering. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling shareholders in connection with the exercise of the underwriters' option.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

        The underwriters expect to deliver the shares on or about                           , 2017.

The date of this prospectus is                           , 2017.

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        You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. Neither we, the selling shareholders nor the underwriters have authorized any other person to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus and any free writing prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. Neither we, the selling shareholders nor the underwriters are making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where an offer or sale is not permitted. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of our Class A common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

        This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Please read "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements."

MARKET DATA

        We use market data and industry forecasts throughout this prospectus, and in particular in the sections entitled "Summary," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business." Market data used in this prospectus has been obtained from publicly available information and publications as well as our good faith estimates. The industry data sourced from The Freedonia Group is from its "Industry Study #3352: Oilfield Chemicals" report published in November of 2015. The industry data sourced from Spears & Associates is generally from its "Drilling and Production Outlook" report published in March 2017 as well as its "Hydraulic Fracturing Market Report" published in the first quarter of 2017 as well as other supporting materials. We believe that these third-party sources are reliable. We believe that the information contained

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therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. However, we have not independently verified the data obtained from these sources. Forecasts and other forward-looking information obtained from these sources are subject to the same qualifications and uncertainties that apply to the other forward-looking statements that are described in this prospectus. In addition, while we are not aware of any misstatements regarding the market or industry data presented herein, such statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors."

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RISK FACTORS

        Investing in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below together with the other information set forth in this prospectus before making an investment decision. Our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations could be adversely affected by the occurrence of any of the risks discussed below. Additionally, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decline due to the occurrence of any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risks discussed below are not the only risks we face. We may experience additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or as a result of developments occurring in the future. Conditions that we currently deem to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our business depends on domestic capital spending by the oil and gas industry, and reductions in capital spending could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.

        Our business is directly affected by our customers' capital spending to explore for, develop and produce oil and gas in the United States. The significant decline in oil and gas prices that began in the fourth quarter of 2014 has caused a reduction in the exploration, development and production activities of most of our customers and their spending on our services. These cuts in spending have curtailed drilling programs as well as discretionary spending on well services, which has resulted in a reduction in the demand for our services as compared to activity levels in mid-2014, as well as the rates we can charge and the utilization of our assets. In addition, certain of our customers could become unable to pay their vendors and service providers, including us, as a result of the decline in commodity prices. Reduced discovery rates of new oil and gas reserves in our market areas as a result of decreased capital spending may also have a negative long-term impact on our business, even in an environment of stronger oil and gas prices, to the extent the reduced number of wells for us to service more than offsets increasing completion activity and intensity. Any of these conditions or events could adversely affect our operating results. If a recovery does not materialize and our customers fail to increase their capital spending, it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.

        Industry conditions are influenced by numerous factors over which we have no control, including:

•

the domestic and foreign economic conditions and supply of and demand for oil and gas;



•

the level of prices, and expectations about future prices, of oil and gas;



•

the level of global oil and gas exploration and production;



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governmental regulations, including the policies of governments regarding the exploration for and production and development of their oil and gas reserves;



•

political and economic conditions in oil and gas producing countries;



•

actions by the members of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries with respect to oil production levels and announcements of potential changes in such levels, including failure to meet agreed reduction to output announced on November 30, 2016;



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global weather conditions and natural disasters;



•

worldwide political, military and economic conditions;



•

the cost of producing and delivering oil and gas;



•

the discovery rates of new oil and gas reserves;

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activities by non-governmental organizations to restrict the exploration, development and production of oil and gas so as to minimize emissions of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas;



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the ability of oil and gas producers to access capital;



•

technical advances affecting energy consumption; and



•

the potential acceleration of development of alternative fuels.

If oil prices or gas prices fail to increase or decline further, the demand for our services could be adversely affected.

        The demand for our services is primarily determined by current and anticipated oil and gas prices and the related levels of capital spending and drilling activity in the areas in which we have operations. Volatility or weakness in oil prices or gas prices (or the perception that oil prices or gas prices will decrease) affects the spending patterns of our customers and may result in the drilling of fewer new wells or lower production spending on existing wells. This, in turn, could lead to lower demand for our services and may cause lower rates and lower utilization of our assets. If oil prices decline or gas prices continue to remain low or decline further, or if the recent increase in drilling activity reverses, the demand for our services and our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

        Prices for oil and gas historically have been extremely volatile and are expected to continue to be volatile. During the past six years, the posted West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") price for oil has ranged from a twelve-year low of $26.19 per Bbl in February 2016 to a high of $113.39 per Bbl in April 2011. The Henry Hub spot market price of gas has ranged from a low of $1.49 per MMBtu in March 2016 to a high of $7.51 per MMBtu in January 2010. During 2016, WTI prices ranged from $26.19 to $54.01 per Bbl and the Henry Hub spot market price of gas ranged from $1.49 to $3.80 per MMBtu. Oil prices have begun to recover and reached a closing price of $51.70 per barrel on April 6, 2017, while the Henry Hub spot market price of gas was $3.33 per MMBtu on the same date. If the prices of oil and gas reverse their recent increases or decline, our operations, financial condition, cash flows and level of expenditures may be materially and adversely affected.

We have developed certain key infrastructure assets in the Bakken area of North Dakota, making us vulnerable to risks associated with conducting business in this region.

        We have secured three governmental permits that enable us to withdraw water from the Missouri River and Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota and have developed and expect to develop in the future significant water infrastructure related to these permits.

        Because of the key nature of these permits and water infrastructure within the Bakken, the success and profitability of our business may be disproportionately exposed to factors impacting this region. These factors include, among others: (i) the prices of, and associated costs to produce, crude oil and gas from wells in the Bakken and other regional supply and demand factors (including the generally higher cost nature of production in the Bakken compared to other major shale plays and the pricing differentials that exist in the Bakken because of transportation constraints); (ii) the amount of exploration, development and production activities of our Bakken customers and their spending on our services; (iii) our ability to keep and maintain our governmental water permits; (iv) the cost of operations and the prices we can charge our customers in this region; and (v) the availability of equipment, supplies, and labor. Although we currently have secured key permits for water in this region, if we were to lose our water rights for any reason, including termination by the government upon the occurrence of a material breach, including nonpayment and default in performance, or unexpected adverse environmental impacts, or our competitors were able to secure equivalent rights, our business could be materially harmed. In addition, our operations in the Bakken field may be adversely affected by severe weather events such as floods, blizzards, ice storms and tornadoes. For the

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years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, our Bakken operations represented 9.6% and 5.5%, respectively, of our revenues. The concentration of our water permits and significant infrastructure assets in North Dakota also increases our exposure to changes in local laws and regulations, including those designed to protect wildlife, and unexpected events that may occur in this region such as seismic events, industrial accidents or labor difficulties. Any of the risks described above could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Restrictions on the ability to procure water or changes in water sourcing requirements could decrease the demand for our water-related services.

        Our business includes water transfer for use in our customers' oil and gas exploration and production activities. Our access to the water we supply may be limited due to reasons such as prolonged drought or our inability to acquire or maintain water sourcing permits or other rights. In addition, some state and local governmental authorities have begun to monitor or restrict the use of water subject to their jurisdiction for hydraulic fracturing to ensure adequate local water supply. For instance, some states requires E&P companies to report certain information regarding the water they use for hydraulic fracturing and to monitor the quality of groundwater surrounding some wells stimulated by hydraulic fracturing. Any such decrease in the availability of water, or demand for water services, could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We have operated at a loss in the past, and there is no assurance of our profitability in the future.

        Historically, we have experienced periods of low demand for our services and have incurred operating losses. In the future, we may not be able to reduce our costs, increase our revenues or reduce our debt service obligations sufficient to achieve or maintain profitability and generate positive operating income. Under such circumstances, we may incur further operating losses and experience negative operating cash flow.

Fuel conservation measures could reduce demand for oil and natural gas which would in turn reduce the demand for our services.

        Fuel conservation measures, alternative fuel requirements and increasing consumer demand for alternatives to oil and natural gas could reduce demand for oil and natural gas. The impact of the changing demand for oil and natural gas may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, prospects, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, the increased competitiveness of alternative energy sources (such as wind, solar geothermal, tidal, fuel cells and biofuels) could reduce demand for hydrocarbons and therefore for our services, which would lead to a reduction in our revenues.

The growth of our business through acquisitions may expose us to various risks, including those relating to difficulties in identifying suitable, accretive acquisition opportunities and integrating businesses, assets and personnel, as well as difficulties in obtaining financing for targeted acquisitions and the potential for increased leverage or debt service requirements.

        As a component of our business strategy, we intend to pursue selected, accretive acquisitions of complementary assets, businesses and technologies. Acquisitions involve numerous risks, including:

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unanticipated costs and assumption of liabilities and exposure to unforeseen liabilities of the acquired business, including but not limited to environmental liabilities;



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limitations on our ability to properly assess and maintain an effective internal control environment over an acquired business;



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potential losses of key employees and customers of the acquired business;



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risks of entering markets in which we have limited prior experience; and



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increases in our expenses and working capital requirements.

        The process of integrating an acquired business may involve unforeseen costs and delays or other operational, technical and financial difficulties and may require a significant amount time and resources. Our failure to incorporate the acquired business and assets into our existing operations successfully or to minimize any unforeseen operational difficulties could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, there is intense competition for acquisition opportunities in our industry. Competition for acquisitions may increase the cost of, or cause us to refrain from, completing acquisitions.

        In addition, we may not have sufficient capital resources to complete any additional acquisitions. We may incur substantial indebtedness to finance future acquisitions and also may issue equity, debt or convertible securities in connection with such acquisitions. Debt service requirements could represent a significant burden on our results of operations and financial condition and the issuance of additional equity or convertible securities could be dilutive to our existing stockholders. Furthermore, we may not be able to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms. Even if we have access to the necessary capital, we may be unable to continue to identify suitable acquisition opportunities, negotiate acceptable terms or successfully acquire identified targets.

Our credit facility subjects us to various financial and other restrictive covenants. These restrictions may limit our operational or financial flexibility and could subject us to potential defaults under our credit facility.

        Our credit facility subjects us to significant financial and other restrictive covenants, including restrictions on our ability to consolidate or merge with other companies, conduct asset sales, incur additional indebtedness, grant liens, issue guarantees, make investments, loans or advances, pay dividends, enter into certain transactions with affiliates and make capital expenditures in excess of specified thresholds.

        Our credit facility contains certain financial covenants, including (i) the maintenance of an Interest Coverage Ratio (as such term is defined in the credit facility) of not less than (a) 1.25 to 1.0 for the quarter ending on March 31, 2017, (b) 1.50 to 1.0 for the quarter ending on June 30, 2017, (c) 2.50 to 1.0 for the quarter ending on September 30, 2017 and (d) 3.00 to 1.0 for each fiscal quarter ending on or after December 31, 2017 and (ii) the maintenance of a Leverage Ratio (as such term is defined in the credit facility) of not greater than (a) 4.00 to 1.0 for the quarter ending on September 30, 2017, (b) 3.50 to 1.0 for the quarter ending on December 31, 2017, (c) 3.25 to 1.0 for the quarters ending on March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018, (d) 3.00 to 1.0 for the quarter ending December 31, 2018 and (e) 2.75 to 1.0 for each fiscal quarter ending on or after March 31, 2019. Our ability to comply with these financial condition tests can be affected by events beyond our control and we may not be able to do so. Our scheduled maturity date is February 28, 2020. In addition, our credit facility contains an anti-cash hoarding provision that restricts us from making any borrowing, if after giving effect to such borrowing, we would have in excess of $20 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the week such borrowing is made. These restrictions may also limit our ability to obtain future financings to withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general, or to otherwise conduct necessary activities. We may also be prevented from taking advantage of business opportunities that arise because of the limitations that the restrictive covenants under our credit facilities impose on us. For additional information regarding our credit facility, please read

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"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Credit Facility."

        If we are unable to remain in compliance with the covenants of our credit facility, then amounts outstanding thereunder may be accelerated and become due immediately. Any such acceleration could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may incur additional indebtedness or issue additional equity securities to execute our long-term growth strategy, which may reduce our profitability or result in significant dilution to our stockholders.

        Constructing and maintaining water infrastructure used in the oil and gas industry requires significant capital. We may require additional capital in the future to develop and construct water sourcing, transfer and other related infrastructure to execute our growth strategy. For the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred approximately $36.3 million and $48.7 million, respectively, in capital expenditures. Historically, we have financed these investments through cash flows from operations, external borrowings and capital contributions from the Legacy Owners and Contributing Legacy Owners. These sources of capital may not be available to us in the future. In addition, our credit facility currently restricts our spending on capital expenditures (other than those funded by net proceeds from equity issuances) to $35 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 and for each year thereafter to the greater of (i) $35 million or (ii) 50% of our EBITDA for the prior twelve months and removes this restriction if the Leverage Ratio is less than 3.00 to 1.0. The maximum commitment under the credit facility is $100 million at the end of the preceding fiscal quarter. If we are unable to fund capital expenditures for any reason, we may not be able to capture available growth opportunities and any such failure could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. If we incur additional indebtedness or issue additional equity securities, our profitability may be reduced and our stockholders may experience significant dilution.

We may be subject to claims for personal injury and property damage, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution.

        We operate with most of our customers under master service agreements, or MSAs. We endeavor to allocate potential liabilities and risks between the parties in the MSAs. Generally, under our MSAs, including those relating to our services, we assume responsibility for, including control and removal of, pollution or contamination which originates above surface and originates from our equipment or services. Our customer assumes responsibility for, including control and removal of, all other pollution or contamination which may occur during operations, including that which may result from seepage or any other uncontrolled flow of drilling fluids. We may have liability in such cases if we are negligent or commit willful acts. Generally, our customers also agree to indemnify us against claims arising from their employees' personal injury or death to the extent that, in the case of our operations, their employees are injured or their properties are damaged by such operations, unless resulting from our gross negligence or willful misconduct. Similarly, we generally agree to indemnify our customers for liabilities arising from personal injury to or death of any of our employees, unless resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct of the customer. In addition, our customers generally agree to indemnify us for loss or destruction of customer-owned property or equipment and in turn, we agree to indemnify our customers for loss or destruction of property or equipment we own. Losses due to catastrophic events, such as blowouts, are generally the responsibility of the customer. However, despite this general allocation of risk, we might not succeed in enforcing such contractual allocation, might incur an unforeseen liability falling outside the scope of such allocation or may be required to enter into an MSA with terms that vary from the above allocations of risk. As a result, we may incur substantial losses which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operation and cash available for distribution.

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We are subject to environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations that may expose us to significant liabilities for penalties, damages or costs of remediation or compliance.

        Our operations and the operations of our customers are subject to federal, regional, state and local laws and regulations relating to protection of natural resources and the environment, health and safety aspects of our operations and waste management, including the transportation and disposal of waste and other materials. These laws and regulations may impose numerous obligations on our operations and the operations of our customers, including the acquisition of permits to take freshwater from surface and underground sources, construct pipelines or containment facilities, drill wells or conduct other regulated activities, the incurrence of capital expenditures to mitigate or prevent releases of materials from our facilities or from customer locations where we are providing services, the imposition of substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our operations, and the application of specific health and safety criteria addressing worker protection. Any failure on our part or the part of our customers to comply with these laws and regulations could result in restrictions on operations, assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, revocation of permits and issuance of corrective action orders requiring the performance of investigatory, remedial or curative activities.

        Our business activities present risks of incurring significant environmental costs and liabilities, including costs and liabilities resulting from our handling of oilfield and other wastes, because of air emissions and wastewater discharges related to our operations, and due to historical oilfield industry operations and waste disposal practices. Our businesses include the operation of oilfield waste disposal injection wells that pose risks of environmental liability, including leakage from the wells to surface or subsurface soils, surface water or groundwater. In addition, private parties, including the owners of properties upon which we perform services and facilities where our wastes are taken for reclamation or disposal, also may have the right to pursue legal actions to enforce compliance as well as to seek damages for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations or for personal injury or property or natural resource damages. Some environmental laws and regulations may impose strict liability, which means that in some situations we could be exposed to liability as a result of our conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred or the conduct of, or conditions caused by, prior operators or other third parties. Remedial costs and other damages arising as a result of environmental laws and costs associated with changes in environmental laws and regulations could be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.

        Laws and regulations protecting the environment generally have become more stringent in recent years and are expected to continue to do so, which could lead to material increases in costs for future environmental compliance and remediation. Changes in existing laws or regulations, or the adoption of new laws or regulations, could delay or curtail exploratory or developmental drilling for oil and gas and could limit well servicing opportunities. We may not be able to recover some or any of our costs of compliance with these laws and regulations from insurance.

Unsatisfactory safety performance may negatively affect our customer relationships and, to the extent we fail to retain existing customers or attract new customers, adversely impact our revenues.

        Our ability to retain existing customers and attract new business is dependent on many factors, including our ability to demonstrate that we can reliably and safely operate our business and stay current on constantly changing rules, regulations, training and laws. Existing and potential customers consider the safety record of their service providers to be of high importance in their decision to engage third-party servicers. If one or more accidents were to occur at one of our operating sites, the affected customer may seek to terminate or cancel its use of our facilities or services and may be less likely to continue to use our services, which could cause us to lose substantial revenues. Further, our ability to attract new customers may be impaired if they elect not to purchase our third-party services because they view our safety record as unacceptable. In addition, it is possible that we will experience

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numerous or particularly severe accidents in the future, causing our safety record to deteriorate. This may be more likely as we continue to grow, if we experience high employee turnover or labor shortage, or add inexperienced personnel.

Federal, state and local legislative and regulatory initiatives related to hydraulic fracturing could result in operating restrictions or delays in the drilling and completion of oil and gas wells that may reduce demand for our services and could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition.

        Hydraulic fracturing is an important and common practice that is used to stimulate production of hydrocarbons from dense subsurface rock formations. The process involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into targeted geological formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production. Hydraulic fracturing is currently generally exempt from regulation under the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act's (the "SDWA") Underground Injection Control ("UIC") program and is typically regulated by state oil and gas commissions or similar agencies.

        However, several federal agencies have asserted regulatory authority over certain aspects of the process. For example, in February 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") asserted regulatory authority pursuant to the SDWA's UIC program over hydraulic fracturing activities involving the use of diesel and issued guidance covering such activities. The EPA also issued final Clean Air Act ("CAA") regulations in 2012 and in June 2016 governing performance standards, including standards for the capture of emissions of methane and volatile organic compounds ("VOCs") released during hydraulic fracturing. Additionally, in June 2016, the EPA published an effluent limit guideline final rule prohibiting the discharge of wastewater from onshore unconventional oil and gas extraction facilities to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants and, in May 2014, issued a prepublication of its Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the Toxic Substances Control Act reporting of the chemical substances and mixtures used in hydraulic fracturing. Also, the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") published a final rule in March 2015 that established new or more stringent standards relating to hydraulic fracturing on federal and American Indian lands but, in June 2016, a Wyoming federal judge struck down this final rule, finding that the BLM lacked congressional authority to promulgate the rule. That decision is currently being appealed by the federal government. However, on March 15, 2017, the BLM filed a motion in the appeal asking the court to hold the case in abeyance pending rescission of the rule. From time to time, legislation has been introduced, but not enacted, in Congress to provide for federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing and to require disclosure of the chemicals used in the fracturing process. In the event that new federal restrictions on the hydraulic-fracturing process are adopted in areas where we or our customers conduct business, we or our customers may incur additional costs or permitting requirements to comply with such federal requirements that may be significant in nature and, in the case of our customers, could experience added delays or curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development, or production activities, which would in turn reduce the demand for our services.

        Moreover, some states and local governments have adopted, and other governmental entities are considering adopting, regulations that could impose more stringent permitting, disclosure and well-construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing operations, including states where we or our customers operate. For example, Texas, Oklahoma, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Dakota, among others, have adopted regulations that impose new or more stringent permitting, disclosure, disposal and well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing operations. States could also elect to prohibit high volume hydraulic fracturing altogether, following the approach taken by the State of New York in 2015. In addition to state laws, local land use restrictions, such as city ordinances, may restrict drilling in general and/or hydraulic fracturing in particular, as certain local governments in California have done. Other states, such as Texas, Oklahoma and Ohio have taken steps to limit the authority of local governments to regulate oil and gas development.

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        In December 2016, the EPA released its final report on the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The final report concluded that "water cycle" activities associated with hydraulic fracturing may impact drinking water resources "under some circumstances," noting that the following hydraulic fracturing water cycle activities and local- or regional-scale factors are more likely than others to result in more frequent or more severe impacts: water withdrawals for fracturing in times or areas of low water availability; surface spills during the management of fracturing fluids, chemicals or produced water; injection of fracturing fluids into wells with inadequate mechanical integrity; injection of fracturing fluids directly into groundwater resources; discharge of inadequately treated fracturing wastewater to surface waters; and disposal or storage of fracturing wastewater in unlined pits.

        Increased regulation and attention given to the hydraulic fracturing process could lead to greater opposition to oil and gas production activities using hydraulic fracturing techniques. Additional legislation or regulation could also lead to operational delays or increased operating costs for our customers in the production of oil and gas, including from the developing shale plays, or could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing. The adoption of any federal, state or local laws or the implementation of regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could potentially cause a decrease in the completion of new oil and gas wells and an associated decrease in demand for our services and increased compliance costs and time, which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition.

Climate change legislation or regulations restricting or regulating emissions of greenhouse gases could result in increased operating costs and reduced demand for our field services.

        In response to findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases ("GHGs") present an endangerment to public health and the environment, the EPA has adopted regulations under existing provisions of the CAA that, among other things, establish Prevention of Significant Deterioration ("PSD") construction and Title V operating permit reviews for certain large stationary sources that emit certain principal, or "criteria," pollutants. Facilities required to obtain PSD permits for their GHG emissions also will be required to meet "best available control technology" standards. In addition, the EPA has adopted rules requiring the monitoring and annual reporting of GHG emissions from oil and gas production, processing, transmission and storage facilities in the United States.

        Congress has from time to time considered legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs but there has not been significant activity in the form of adopted legislation to reduce GHG emissions at the federal level in recent years. In the absence of such federal climate legislation, a number of state and regional efforts have emerged that are aimed at tracking and/or reducing GHG emissions through the completion of GHG emissions inventories and by means of cap and trade programs that typically require major sources of GHG emissions to acquire and surrender emission allowances in return for emitting those GHGs. The EPA has also developed strategies for the reduction of methane emissions, including emissions from the oil and gas industry. For example, in June 2016, the EPA published final rules establishing new emissions standards for methane and additional standards for VOCs from certain new, modified and reconstructed equipment and processes in the oil and gas source category, including production, processing, transmission and storage activities and is formally seeking additional information from E&P operators as necessary to eventually expand these final rules to include existing equipment and processes. Furthermore, the EPA passed a new rule, known as the Clean Power Plan, to limit GHGs from power plants. While the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay in February 2016, preventing implementation during the pendency of legal challenges to the rule in court, should the stay be lifted and legal challenges prove unsuccessful, then it could reduce demand for the oil and gas our customers produce, which could reduce the demand for our services, depending on the methods used to implement the rule. Additionally, in December 2015, the United States joined the international

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community at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France that proposed an agreement, requiring member countries to review and "represent a progression" in their intended nationally determined contributions, which set GHG emission reduction goals every five years beginning in 2020. This agreement was signed by the United States in April 2016 and entered into force in November 2016. The United States is one of over 120 nations having ratified or otherwise consented to the agreement; however this agreement does not create any binding obligations for nations to limit their GHG emissions, but rather includes pledges to voluntarily limit or reduce future emissions.

        Although it is not possible at this time to predict how new laws or regulations in the United States or any legal requirements imposed following the United States' agreeing to the Paris Agreement that may be adopted or issued to address GHG emissions would impact our business, any such future laws, regulations or other legal requirements imposing reporting or permitting obligations on, or limiting emissions of GHGs from, our or our customers' equipment and operations could require us or our customers to incur costs to reduce emissions of GHGs associated with operations as well as delays or restrictions in the ability to permit GHG emissions from new or modified sources. In addition, substantial limitations on GHG emissions could adversely affect demand for the oil and gas our customers produce, which could reduce demand for our services.

        Finally, it should be noted that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth's atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods and other climatic events. If any such effects were to occur, they could have an adverse effect on our operations.

Legislation or regulatory initiatives intended to address seismic activity associated with oilfield disposal wells could restrict our ability to dispose of produced water gathered from our customers and, accordingly, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

        We dispose of wastewater gathered from oil and gas producing customers that results from their drilling and production operations pursuant to permits issued to us by government authorities overseeing such disposal activities. While these permits are issued pursuant to existing laws and regulations, these legal requirements are subject to change, which could result in the imposition of more stringent permitting or operating constraints or new monitoring and reporting requirements owing to, among other things, concerns of the public or governmental authorities regarding such disposal activities.

        One such concern relates to recent seismic events near underground disposal wells used for the disposal by injection of produced water resulting from oil and gas activities. When caused by human activity, such events are called induced seismicity. Developing research suggests that the link between seismic activity and wastewater disposal may vary by region, and that only a very small fraction of the tens of thousands of injection wells have been suspected to be, or have been, the likely cause of induced seismicity. In March 2016, the United States Geological Survey identified six states with the most significant hazards from induced seismicity, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arkansas. The United States Geological Survey also noted the potential for induced seismicity in Ohio and Alabama. In response to concerns regarding induced seismicity, regulators in some states have imposed, or are considering imposing, additional requirements in the permitting of produced water disposal wells or otherwise to assess any relationship between seismicity and the use of such wells. For example, Oklahoma issued new rules for wastewater disposal wells in 2014 that imposed certain permitting and operating restrictions and reporting requirements on disposal wells in proximity to faults and also, from time to time, has developed and implemented plans directing certain wells where seismic incidents have occurred to restrict or suspend disposal well operations. The Texas Railroad Commission adopted similar rules in 2014. In addition, ongoing lawsuits allege that disposal well operations have caused damage to neighboring properties or otherwise violated state and federal

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rules regulating waste disposal. These developments could result in additional regulation and restrictions on the use of injection wells. Increased regulation and attention given to induced seismicity could lead to greater opposition to oil and gas activities utilizing injection wells for waste disposal. The adoption and implementation of any new laws, regulations or directives that restrict our ability to dispose of wastewater gathered from our customers by limiting, volumes, disposal rates, disposal well locations or otherwise, or requiring us to shut down disposal wells, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act govern both our and our oil and gas producing customers' operations and additional restrictions may be imposed in the future, which constraints could have an adverse impact on our ability to expand some of our existing operations or limit our customers' ability to develop new oil and gas wells.

        The Endangered Species Act (the "ESA") restricts activities that may affect endangered or threatened species or their habitats. Similar protections are offered to migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (the "MBTA"). To the extent species that are listed under the ESA or similar state laws, or are protected under the MBTA, live in the areas where we or our oil and gas producing customers' operate, both our and our customers' abilities to conduct or expand operations and construct facilities could be limited or be forced to incur material additional costs. Moreover, our customer's drilling activities may be delayed, restricted or precluded in protected habitat areas or during certain seasons, such as breeding and nesting seasons. Some of our operations and the operations of our customers are located in areas that are designated as habitats for protected species.

        In addition, as a result of a settlement approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 2011, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (the "FWS") is required to make a determination on the listing of numerous other species as endangered or threatened under the ESA by the end of the FWS' 2017 fiscal year. The designation of previously unidentified endangered or threatened species could indirectly cause us to incur additional costs, cause our or our oil and gas producing customers' operations to become subject to operating restrictions or bans, and limit future development activity in affected areas. The FWS and similar state agencies may designate critical or suitable habitat areas that they believe are necessary for the survival of threatened or endangered species. Such a designation could materially restrict use of or access to federal, state and private lands.

We face significant competition that may cause us to lose market share and could negatively affect our ability to expand our operations, and we may be unable to compete effectively with larger companies.

        The water solutions business is highly competitive. Some of our competitors have a similarly broad geographic scope, as well as greater financial and other resources than we do, while others focus on specific basins only and may have local competitive cost efficiencies as a result. Additionally, there may be new companies that enter the water solutions business or our existing and potential customers may develop their own water solutions businesses. Our ability to maintain current revenue and cash flows, and our ability to expand our operations, could be adversely affected by the activities of our competitors and our customers. If our competitors substantially increase the resources they devote to the development and marketing of competitive services or substantially decrease the prices at which they offer their services, we may be unable to effectively compete. All of these competitive pressures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

        The oil and gas industry is intensely competitive, and we compete with other companies that have greater resources than us. Many of our larger competitors provide a broader base of services on a regional, national or worldwide basis. These companies may have a greater ability to continue oilfield service activities during periods of low commodity prices, to contract for equipment, to secure trained personnel, to secure contracts and permits and to absorb the burden of present and future federal,

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state, local and other laws and regulations. Any inability to compete effectively with larger companies could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our success depends on key members of our management, the loss of any of whom could disrupt our business operations.

        We depend to a large extent on the services of some of our executive officers. The loss of the services of one or more of our key executives could increase our exposure to the other risks described in this "Risk Factors" section. We do not maintain key man insurance on any of our personnel other than John Schmitz, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Our industry has experienced a high rate of employee turnover. Any difficulty we experience replacing or adding personnel could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.

        We are dependent upon the available labor pool of skilled employees and may not be able to find enough skilled labor to meet our needs, which could have a negative effect on our growth. We are also subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs such matters as minimum wage, overtime and other working conditions. Our services require skilled workers who can perform physically demanding work. As a result of our industry volatility, including the recent and pronounced decline in drilling activity, as well as the demanding nature of the work, many workers have left the oilfield services section to pursue employment in different fields. If we are unable to retain or meet growing demand for skilled technical personnel, our operating results and our ability to execute our growth strategies may be adversely affected.

Delays or restrictions in obtaining permits by us for our operations or by our customers for their operations could impair our business.

        In most states, our operations and the operations of our oil and gas producing customers require permits from one or more governmental agencies in order to perform drilling and completion activities, secure water rights, construct impoundments tanks and operate pipelines or trucking services. Such permits are typically issued by state agencies, but federal and local governmental permits may also be required. The requirements for such permits vary depending on the location where such drilling and completion, and pipeline and gathering, activities will be conducted. As with all governmental permitting processes, there is a degree of uncertainty as to whether a permit will be granted, the time it will take for a permit to be issued, the conditions that may be imposed in connection with the granting of the permit and whether the permit may be terminated. In addition, some of our customers' drilling and completion activities may take place on federal land or Native American lands, requiring leases and other approvals from the federal government or Native American tribes to conduct such drilling and completion activities. Under certain circumstances, federal agencies may cancel proposed leases for federal lands and refuse to grant or delay required approvals. Therefore, our customers' operations in certain areas of the United States may be interrupted or suspended for varying lengths of time, causing a loss of revenue to us and adversely affecting our results of operations in support of those customers.

In the future we may face increased obligations relating to the closing of our wastewater disposal facilities and may be required to provide an increased level of financial assurance to guarantee that the appropriate closure activities will occur for a wastewater disposal facility.

        Obtaining a permit to own or operate wastewater disposal facilities generally requires us to establish performance bonds, letters of credit or other forms of financial assurance to address remediation and closure obligations. As we acquire additional wastewater disposal facilities or expand our existing wastewater disposal facilities, these obligations will increase. Additionally, in the future, regulatory agencies may require us to increase the amount of our closure bonds at existing wastewater

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disposal facilities. Moreover, actual costs could exceed our current expectations, as a result of, among other things, federal, state or local government regulatory action, increased costs charged by service providers that assist in closing wastewater disposal facilities and additional environmental remediation requirements. Increased regulatory requirements regarding our existing or future wastewater disposal facilities, including the requirement to pay increased closure and post-closure costs or to establish increased financial assurance for such activities could substantially increase our operating costs and cause our available cash that we have to distribute to our unitholders to decline.

Constraints in the supply of equipment used in providing services to our customers and replacement parts for such could affect our ability to execute our growth strategies.

        Equipment used in providing services to our customers is normally readily available. Market conditions could trigger constraints in the supply chain of certain equipment or replacement parts for such equipment, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. The majority of our risk associated with supply chain constraints occurs in those situations where we have a relationship with a single supplier for a particular resource.

Technology advancements in well service technologies, including those involving recycling of saltwater or the replacement of water in fracturing fluid, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The oilfield services industry is characterized by rapid and significant technological advancements and introductions of new products and services using new technologies. The saltwater disposal industry is subject to the introduction of new waste treatment and disposal techniques and services using new technologies including those involving recycling of saltwater, some of which may be subject to patent protection. As competitors and others use or develop new technologies or technologies comparable to ours in the future, we may lose market share or be placed at a competitive disadvantage. For example, some oil and gas producers are focusing on developing and utilizing non-water fracturing techniques, including those utilizing propane, carbon dioxide or nitrogen instead of water. Further, we may face competitive pressure to implement or acquire certain new technologies at a substantial cost. Some of our competitors may have greater financial, technical and personnel resources than we do, which may allow them to gain technological advantages or implement new technologies before we can. Additionally, we may be unable to implement new technologies or products at all, on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost. New technology could also make it easier for our customers to vertically integrate their operations or reduce the amount of waste produced in oil and gas drilling and production activities, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for third-party disposal. Limits on our ability to effectively use or implement new technologies may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may be adversely affected by uncertainty in the global financial markets and the continuing worldwide economic downturn.

        Our future results may be impacted by the continuing uncertainty caused by the worldwide economic downturn, continued volatility or deterioration in the debt and equity capital markets, inflation, deflation or other adverse economic conditions that may negatively affect us or parties with whom we do business resulting in a reduction in our customers' spending and their non-payment or inability to perform obligations owed to us, such as the failure of customers to honor their commitments or the failure of major suppliers to complete orders. Additionally, credit market conditions may change slowing our collection efforts as customers may experience increased difficulty in obtaining requisite financing, potentially leading to lost revenue and higher than normal accounts receivable. In the event of the financial distress or bankruptcy of a customer, we could lose all or a portion of such outstanding accounts receivable associated with that customer. Further, if a customer

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was to enter into bankruptcy, it could also result in the cancellation of all or a portion of our service contracts with such customer at significant expense to us.

        The current global economic environment may adversely impact our ability to issue debt. A continuation of the economic uncertainty may cause institutional investors to respond to their borrowers by increasing interest rates, enacting tighter lending standards or refusing to refinance existing debt upon its maturity or on terms similar to the expiring debt. However, due to the above listed factors, we cannot be certain that additional funding will be available if needed and, to the extent required, on acceptable terms.

Our operations are subject to inherent risks, some of which are beyond our control. These risks may be self-insured, or may not be fully covered under our insurance policies.

        Our operations are subject to hazards inherent in the oil and gas industry, such as, but not limited to, accidents, blowouts, explosions, craterings, fires, oil spills and releases of drilling, completion or fracturing fluids or wastewater into the environment. These conditions can cause:

•

disruption in operations;



•

substantial repair or remediate costs;



•

personal injury or loss of human life;



•

significant damage to or destruction of property, and equipment;



•

environmental pollution, including groundwater contamination;



•

impairment or suspension of operations; and



•

substantial revenue loss.

        The occurrence of a significant event or adverse claim in excess of the insurance coverage that we maintain or that is not covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated results of operations and consolidated financial condition. Any interruption in our services due to pipeline breakdowns or necessary maintenance or repairs could reduce sales revenues and earnings. In addition, claims for loss of oil and gas production and damage to formations can occur in the well services industry. Litigation arising from a catastrophic occurrence at a location where our equipment and services are being used may result in our being named as a defendant in lawsuits asserting large claims.

        We do not have insurance against all foreseeable risks, either because insurance is not available or because of the high premium costs. The occurrence of an event not fully insured against or the failure of an insurer to meet its insurance obligations could result in substantial losses. In addition, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable. Insurance may not be available to cover any or all of the risks to which we are subject, or, even if available, it may be inadequate, or insurance premiums or other costs could rise significantly in the future so as to make such insurance prohibitively expensive.

The deterioration of the financial condition of our customers could adversely affect our business.

        During times when the gas or crude oil markets weaken, our customers are more likely to experience financial difficulties, including being unable to access debt or equity financing, which could result in a reduction in our customers' spending for our services. In addition, in the course of our business we hold accounts receivable from our customers. In the event of the financial distress or bankruptcy of a customer, we could lose all or a portion of such outstanding accounts receivable associated with that customer. Further, if a customer was to enter into bankruptcy, it could also result in the cancellation of all or a portion of our service contracts with such customer at significant expense or loss of expected revenues to us.

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We may be required to take write-downs of the carrying values of our long-lived assets.

        We evaluate our long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of their carrying amount to the estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated by those assets. Based on specific market factors and circumstances at the time of prospective impairment reviews and the continuing evaluation of development plans, economics and other factors, we may be required to write down the carrying value of our long-lived and other intangible assets. We recorded an impairment of $60.03 million on our long-lived assets for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Seasonal weather conditions and natural disasters could severely disrupt normal operations and harm our business.

        Our Water Solutions operations are located primarily in the southern, mid-western and eastern United States. These areas are adversely affected by seasonal weather conditions, primarily in the winter and spring. During periods of heavy snow, ice or rain, we may be unable to move our equipment between locations, thereby reducing our ability to provide services and generate revenues. Additionally, extended drought conditions in our operating regions could impact our ability to source sufficient water for our customers or increase the cost for such water. As a result, a natural disaster or inclement weather conditions could severely disrupt the normal operation of our business and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to cyber security risks. A cyber incident could occur and result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.

        The oil and gas industry has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct certain processing activities. For example, we depend on digital technologies to perform many of our services and to process and record financial and operating data. At the same time, cyber incidents, including deliberate attacks or unintentional events, have increased. The U.S. government has issued public warnings that indicate that energy assets might be specific targets of cyber security threats. Our technologies, systems and networks, and those of our vendors, suppliers and other business partners, may become the target of cyberattacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of proprietary and other information, or other disruption of business operations. In addition, certain cyber incidents, such as surveillance, may remain undetected for an extended period. Our systems and insurance coverage for protecting against cyber security risks may not be sufficient. As cyber incidents continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to cyber incidents. Our insurance coverage for cyberattacks may not be sufficient to cover all the losses we may experience as a result of such cyberattacks.

A terrorist attack or armed conflict could harm our business.

        The occurrence or threat of terrorist attacks in the United States or other countries, anti-terrorist efforts and other armed conflicts involving the United States or other countries, including continued hostilities in the Middle East, may adversely affect the United States and global economies and could prevent us from meeting our financial and other obligations. If any of these events occur, the resulting political instability and societal disruption could reduce overall demand for oil and gas, potentially putting downward pressure on demand for our services and causing a reduction in our revenues. Oil and gas related facilities could be direct targets of terrorist attacks, and our operations could be adversely impacted if infrastructure integral to our customers' operations is destroyed or damaged. Costs for insurance and other security may increase as a result of these threats, and some insurance coverage may become more difficult to obtain, if available at all.

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We engage in transactions with related parties and such transactions present possible conflicts of interest that could have an adverse effect on us.

        We have entered into a significant number of transactions with related parties. The details of certain of these transactions are set forth in the section "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions." Related party transactions create the possibility of conflicts of interest with regard to our management. Such a conflict could cause an individual in our management to seek to advance his or her economic interests above ours. Further, the appearance of conflicts of interest created by related party transactions could impair the confidence of our investors. Our board of directors regularly reviews these transactions. Notwithstanding this, it is possible that a conflict of interest could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.

The adoption of more stringent trucking legislation or regulations may increase our costs and could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, consolidated results of operations, and consolidated financial condition.

        In connection with the services we provide, we operate as a motor carrier and therefore are subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Transportation (the "U.S. DOT"), and by analogous state agencies. These regulatory authorities exercise broad powers, governing activities such as the authorization to engage in motor carrier operations and regulatory safety. There are additional regulations specifically relating to the trucking industry, including testing and specification of equipment and product handling requirements. The trucking industry is subject to possible legislative and regulatory changes that may affect the economics of the industry by requiring changes in operating practices or by changing the demand for common or contract carrier services or the cost of providing truckload services. Some of these possible changes include increasingly stringent environmental regulations and changes in the regulations that govern the amount of time a driver may drive in any specific period, onboard black box recorder devices or limits on vehicle weight and size.

        Interstate motor carrier operations are subject to safety requirements developed and implemented by the U.S. DOT. Intrastate motor carrier operations often are subject to state safety regulations that mirror federal regulations. Such matters as weight and dimension of equipment are also subject to federal and state laws and regulations.

        From time to time, various legislative proposals are introduced, including proposals to increase federal, state or local taxes, including taxes on motor fuels, which may increase our costs or adversely affect the recruitment of drivers. Management cannot predict whether, or in what form, any increase in such taxes applicable to us will be enacted. We may be required to increase operating expenses or capital expenditures in order to comply with any new laws, regulations or other restrictions.

Disruptions in the transportation services of trucking companies transporting wastewater could have a material adverse effect on our results.

        We use trucks to transport some produced water to our wastewater disposal facilities. In recent years, certain states, such as North Dakota and Texas, and state counties have increased enforcement of weight limits on trucks used to transport raw materials on their public roads. It is possible that the states, counties and cities in which we operate our business may modify their laws to further reduce truck weight limits or impose curfews or other restrictions on the use of roadways. Such legislation and enforcement efforts could result in delays in, and increased costs to, transport produced water to our wastewater disposal facilities, which may either increase our operating costs or reduce the amount of produced water transported to our facilities. Such developments could decrease our operating margins or amounts of produced water disposed at our wastewater disposal facilities and thereby have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

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A significant increase in fuel prices may adversely affect our transportation costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

        Fuel is one of our significant operating expenses, and a significant increase in fuel prices could result in increased transportation costs. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events such as geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and weather concerns. A significant increase in fuel prices could increase the price of, and therefore reduce demand for, our services, which could affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Risks Relating to the Offering and our Class A Common Stock

The initial public offering price of our Class A common stock may not be indicative of the market price of our Class A common stock after this offering. In addition, an active, liquid and orderly trading market for our Class A common stock may not develop or be maintained, and our stock price may be volatile.

        Prior to this offering, our Class A common stock was not traded on any market. An active, liquid and orderly trading market for our Class A common stock may not develop or be maintained after this offering. Active, liquid and orderly trading markets usually result in less price volatility and more efficiency in carrying out investors' purchase and sale orders. The market price of our Class A common stock could vary significantly as a result of a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control. In the event of a drop in the market price of our Class A common stock, you could lose a substantial part or all of your investment in our Class A common stock. The initial public offering price will be negotiated between us, the selling shareholders and representatives of the underwriters, based on numerous factors which we discuss in "Underwriting," and may not be indicative of the market price of our Class A common stock after this offering. Consequently, you may not be able to sell shares of our Class A common stock at prices equal to or greater than the price paid by you in this offering.

        The following factors could affect our stock price:

•

quarterly variations in the rate of growth of our financial indicators, such as net income per share, net income and revenues;



•

the public reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;



•

strategic actions by our competitors;



•

changes in revenue or earnings estimates, or changes in recommendations or withdrawal of research coverage, by equity research analysts;



•

speculation in the press or investment community;



•

the failure of research analysts to cover our Class A common stock;



•

sales of our Class A common stock by us, the selling shareholders or other shareholders, or the perception that such sales may occur;



•

changes in accounting principles, policies, guidance, interpretations or standards;



•

additions or departures of key management personnel;



•

actions by our shareholders;



•

general market conditions, including fluctuations in commodity prices;



•

domestic and international economic, legal and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance; and



•

the realization of any risks describes under this "Risk Factors" section.

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        The stock markets in general have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a company's securities. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in very substantial costs, divert our management's attention and resources and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

We do not expect to pay any dividends to the holders of the Class A common stock offered hereby in the foreseeable future and the availability and timing of future dividends, if any, is uncertain.

        We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business, including the repayment of our debt, and do not expect to declare or pay any dividends on our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. Our credit facility places certain restrictions on the ability of us and our subsidiaries to pay dividends. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment in us will be if you sell your Class A common stock at a price greater than you paid for it. There is no guarantee that the price of our Class A common stock that will prevail in the market will ever exceed the price that you pay in this offering. We may amend our credit facility or enter into new debt arrangements that also prohibit or restrict our ability to pay dividends on our Class A common stock.

        Subject to such restrictions, our board of directors will determine the amount and timing of stockholder dividends, if any, that we may pay in future periods. In making this determination, our directors will consider all relevant factors, including the amount of cash available for dividends, capital expenditures, covenants, prohibitions or limitations with respect to dividends, applicable law, general operational requirements and other variables. We cannot predict the amount or timing of any future dividends you may receive, and if we do commence the payment of dividends, we may be unable to pay, maintain or increase dividends over time. Therefore, you may not be able to realize any return on your investment in our Class A common stock for an extended period of time, if at all. Please read "Dividend Policy."

Investors in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution of $9.41 per share.

        Based on an assumed initial public offering price of $16.50 per share (the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus), purchasers of our Class A common stock in this offering will experience an immediate and substantial dilution of $9.41 per share in the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of Class A common stock from the initial public offering price, and our as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2016 after giving effect to this offering would be $7.09 per share. This dilution is due in large part to earlier investors having paid substantially less than the initial public offering price when they purchased their shares. See "Dilution."

If certain conditions are not met, Special Stock Dividends may accrue on the outstanding shares of our Class A-1 common stock which would be dilutive to the holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock.

        If we fail to file the resale shelf registration statement for the benefit of the 144A Investors by April 30, 2017 or to cause such resale shelf registration statement to go effective within 60 days following the closing of this offering as currently anticipated, Special Stock Dividends will accrue with respect to the outstanding shares of our Class A-1 common stock. Special Stock Dividends are non-cash dividends that are payable only in additional shares of Class A-1 common stock, resulting in dilution to the holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock which may be substantial. The holders of Class A-1 common stock will be given the benefit of any accrued Special Stock Dividends for purposes of (i) voting at any meeting of stockholders (for so long as shares of Class A-1 common stock remain issued and outstanding), (ii) the receipt of any dividends declared on our common stock

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(other than Special Stock Dividends) and (iii) the sale or transfer of shares of Class A-1 common stock, such that the right to receive any accrued and unpaid Special Stock Dividends shall be transferred with and unseverable from the shares of Class A-1 common stock on which such Special Stock Dividends accrue. Such Special Stock Dividends will be issuable upon the occurrence of certain events; once issued, such shares will be convertible into shares of Class A common stock on the same terms and conditions as the Class A-1 common stock. Please read "Description of Capital Stock—Class A-1 Common Stock—Dividend Rights."

If we fail to develop or maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, current and potential shareholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our Class A common stock.

        Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports, prevent fraud and operate successfully as a public company. We are not currently required to comply with the SEC's rules implementing Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act and therefore are not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting for that purpose. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed. We cannot be certain that our efforts to develop and maintain our internal controls will be successful, that we will be able to maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future or that we will be able to comply with our obligations under Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002. Any failure to develop or maintain effective internal controls, or difficulties encountered in implementing or improving our internal controls, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Ineffective internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our Class A common stock.

Since we expect to be a "controlled company" for purposes of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, our stockholders will not have, and may never have, the protections that these corporate governance requirements are intended to provide.

        Since we expect to be a "controlled company" for purposes of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE, we are not required to comply with the provisions requiring that a majority of our directors be independent, the compensation of our executives be determined by independent directors or nominees for election to our board of directors be selected by independent directors. If we choose to take advantage of any or all of these exemptions, our stockholders may not have the protections that these rules are intended to provide.

Since we expect to be an "emerging growth company," we will not be required to comply with certain disclosure requirements that are applicable to other public companies and we cannot be certain if the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our Class A common stock less attractive to investors.

        We expect to be an "emerging growth company," as defined in the JOBS Act and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to public companies, including, but not limited to, longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards, not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We intend to take advantage of all of the reduced reporting requirements and exemptions, including the longer phase-in periods for the adoption of new or revised financial accounting standards under Section 107 of the JOBS Act, until we are no longer an emerging

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growth company. Our election to use the phase-in periods permitted by this election may make it difficult to compare our financial statements to those of non-emerging growth companies and other emerging growth companies that have opted out of the longer phase-in periods under Section 107 of the JOBS Act and who will comply with new or revised financial accounting standards. If we were to subsequently elect instead to comply with these public company effective dates, such election would be irrevocable pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act.

        We cannot predict if investors will find our Class A common stock less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Class A common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Class A common stock and our Class A common stock price may be more volatile. Under the JOBS Act, "emerging growth companies" can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies.

We will incur increased costs as a result of becoming a public company.

        As a privately held company, we were not responsible for the corporate governance and financial reporting practices and policies required of a public company. Following the completion of this offering, we will need to comply with new laws, regulations and requirements, certain corporate governance provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley, related regulations of the SEC and the requirements of the NYSE, with which we were not required to comply as a private company. Complying with these statutes, regulations and requirements will occupy a significant amount of time of our board of directors and management and will significantly increase our costs and expenses. We will need to:

•

institute a more comprehensive compliance function;



•

comply with rules promulgated by the NYSE;



•

prepare and distribute periodic public reports in compliance with our obligations under the federal securities laws;



•

establish new internal policies, such as those relating to disclosure controls and procedures and insider trading; and



•

involve and retain to a greater degree outside counsel and accountants in the above activities.

        In addition, we expect that being a public company subject to these rules and regulations will require us to accept less director and officer liability insurance coverage than we desire or to incur substantial costs to obtain coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors, particularly to serve on our audit committee, and qualified executive officers.

Certain of our directors and senior management have limited experience managing public companies, which could adversely affect our financial position.

        Certain members of our senior management and certain of our directors have not previously managed a publicly traded operating company and may be unsuccessful in doing so. The demands of managing a publicly traded company are significant, and some members of our senior management or board of directors may not be able to meet these increased demands. Failure to effectively manage our business could adversely affect our overall financial position.

Future sales of our equity securities, or the perception that such sales may occur, may depress our share price, and any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or convertible securities may dilute your ownership in us.

        Subject to certain limitations and exceptions, Legacy Owner Holdco and its permitted transferees may exchange their SES Holdings LLC Units (together with a corresponding number of shares of

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Class B common stock) for shares of Class A common stock (on a one-for-one basis, subject to conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassification and other similar transactions) and then sell those shares of Class A common stock. In addition, the 16,100,000 shares of our Class A-1 Common Stock issued in the 144A Offering will automatically convert to Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis upon the effectiveness of a registration statement filed to permit resales of such shares. The 144A Investors are entitled to sell such shares 60 days following the closing of this offering. Additionally, we may in the future issue our previously authorized and unissued securities. We are authorized to issue 250 million shares of Class A common stock, 40 million shares of Class A-1 common stock, 150 million shares of Class B common stock and 50 million shares of preferred stock with such designations, preferences and rights as determined by our board of directors. The potential issuance of such additional shares of equity securities will result in the dilution of the ownership interests of the holders of our Class A common stock and may create downward pressure on the trading price, if any, of our Class A common stock. The registration rights of our Legacy Owners and the 144A Investors and the sales of substantial amounts of our Class A common stock following the effectiveness of the shelf registration statements for the benefit of our Legacy Owners or the 144A Investors, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline and impair our ability to raise capital. We also may grant additional registration rights in connection with any future issuance of our capital stock.

The underwriters of this offering may waive or release parties to the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with this offering, which could adversely affect the price of our Class A common stock.

        Our stockholders, directors and executive officers have entered into lock-up agreements with respect to their equity securities of the Company. As restrictions on resale end, the market price of our stock could decline if the holders of restricted shares sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them. Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, FBR Capital Markets & Co. and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, at any time and without notice, may release all or any portion of the equity securities subject to the foregoing lock-up agreements entered into in connection with this offering. The 144A Investors have entered into lock-up agreements which expire 60 days from the closing of this offering. FBR, at any time and without notice, may release all or any portion of the equity securities subject to the foregoing lock-up agreements entered into in connection with the 144A Offering. If the restrictions under the lock-up agreements are waived, our Class A common stock will be available for sale into the market, which could reduce the market value for our Class A common stock. The lock-up agreements entered into in connection with the 144A Offering contain an exception permitting us to issue shares of Class A common stock in connection with acquisitions in an amount up to 19.9 percent of the outstanding voting power at the time of such issuance, provided that the recipient executes a similar lock-up agreement. In addition, the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with this offering contain an exception permitting us to issue shares of common stock in connection with acquisitions in an amount up to 10% of the outstanding voting power at the time of such issuance, provided that the recipient executes a similar lock-up agreement. The issuance of such shares of Class A common stock would ultimately be dilutive to the holders of shares of Class A common stock acquired in this offering.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, the share price for our Class A common stock could decline.

        The trading market for our Class A common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our Company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the price or trading volume of our Class A common stock to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover our company downgrades our Class A

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common stock or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, the share price of our Class A common stock could decline.

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law may discourage a takeover attempt even if a takeover might be beneficial to our stockholders.

        Provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, in each case as amended and restated as of the date on which this offering is completed, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us after we have become a publicly traded company. Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws impose various procedural and other requirements, which could make it more difficult for stockholders to effect certain corporate actions. For example, our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of unissued series of preferred stock without any vote or action by our stockholders. Thus, our board of directors can authorize and issue shares of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting or other rights of holders of our capital stock. These rights may have the effect of delaying or deterring a change of control of our company. Additionally, our bylaws establish limitations on the removal of directors and on the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings and include advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our board of directors and for proposing matters that can be acted upon at stockholder meetings.

        In addition, after we cease to be a controlled company, a classified board of directors will be established, so that only approximately one-third of our directors will be elected each year. See "Description of Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Our Certificate of Incorporation, Our Bylaws and Delaware Law." These provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our Class A common stock.

        In addition, certain change of control events have the effect of accelerating the payment due under our Tax Receivable Agreements, which could be substantial and accordingly serve as a disincentive to a potential acquirer of our company. See "Risks Related to Our Internal Reorganization and Resulting Structure—In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits, if any, we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements."

Legacy Owner Holdco controls a significant percentage of our voting power.

        Legacy Owner Holdco beneficially owns 100% of our Class B common stock, and upon completion of this offering, the Class B common stock will represent approximately 55.5% of our outstanding voting capital stock. See "Organizational Structure" and "Summary—Organization." In addition, certain of our directors are currently employed by Crestview Partners, our private equity sponsor and the manager of funds that hold the largest equity interest in Legacy Owner Holdco. Other funds controlled by Crestview GP also owns a majority of our currently outstanding shares of our Class A common stock, representing an additional 5.5% of our outstanding voting capital. Collectively, these holders control approximately 61.0% of our voting shares after completion of this offering. Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock generally will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval. Consequently, Legacy Owner Holdco will have control over all matters that require approval by our stockholders, including the election and removal of directors, changes to our organizational documents and approval of acquisition offers and other significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership will limit your ability to influence corporate matters, and as a result, actions may be taken that you may not view as beneficial. So long as Legacy Owner Holdco continues to own a significant amount of our outstanding voting capital stock, even if such amount is less than 50%, it will continue to be able to strongly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, regardless of whether or not other stockholders believe that a transaction is in their own best interests.

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Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains a provision renouncing our interest and expectancy in certain corporate opportunities, which could adversely affect our business or prospects.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we renounce any interest or expectancy in any business opportunity that involves any aspect of the energy business or industry and that may be from time to time presented to any member of Legacy Owner Holdco, Crestview Partners or any affiliates of Crestview GP, B-29 Investments, LP, Sunray Capital, LP and Proactive Investments, LP (the "Legacy Group") or any director or officer of the corporation who is also an employee, partner, member, manager, officer or director of any member of the Legacy Group, including our Chief Executive Officer, John Schmitz, and our President, Cody Ortowski, even if the opportunity is one that we might reasonably have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so. Mr. Schmitz controls both B-29 Investments LP and Sunray Capital, LP and is a direct and indirect beneficiary of these provisions in our Articles of Incorporation. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation further provides that no such person or party shall be liable to us by reason of the fact that such person pursues any such business opportunity, or fails to offer any such business opportunity to us.

        As a result, any member of the Legacy Group or any director or officer of the corporation who is also an employee, partner, member, manager, officer or director of any member of the Legacy Group may become aware, from time to time, of certain business opportunities, such as acquisition opportunities, and may direct such opportunities to other businesses in which they have invested, in which case we may not become aware of or otherwise have the ability to pursue such opportunity. Further, such businesses may choose to compete with us for these opportunities. As a result, by renouncing our interest and expectancy in any business opportunity that may be from time to time presented to any member of the Legacy Group or any director or officer of the corporation who is also an employee, partner, member, manager, officer or director of any member of the Legacy Group, our business or prospects could be adversely affected if attractive business opportunities are procured by such parties for their own benefit rather than for ours. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions."

A significant reduction by Crestview of its ownership interests in us could adversely affect us.

        We believe that Crestview's ownership interests in us provides it with an economic incentive to assist us to be successful. Upon the expiration or earlier waiver of the lock-up restrictions on transfers or sales of our securities following the completion of this offering, Crestview will not be subject to any obligation to maintain its ownership interest in us and may elect at any time thereafter to sell all or a substantial portion of or otherwise reduce its ownership interest in us. If Crestview sells all or a substantial portion of its ownership interest in us, it may have less incentive to assist in our success and its affiliate(s) that are expected to serve as members of our board of directors may resign. Such actions could adversely affect our ability to successfully implement our business strategies which could adversely affect our cash flows or results of operations.

We may issue preferred stock whose terms could adversely affect the voting power or value of our Class A common stock.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue, without the approval of our shareholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designations, preferences, limitations and relative rights, including preferences over our Class A common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our board of directors may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could adversely impact the voting power or value of our Class A common stock. For example, we might grant holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto

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specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we might assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the Class A common stock.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents.

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to such Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of, and consented to, the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation described in the preceding sentence. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and such persons. Alternatively, if a court were to find these provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Organizational Structure

We are a holding company. Our sole material asset is our equity interest in SES Holdings, and accordingly, we are dependent upon distributions and payments from SES Holdings to pay taxes, make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements and cover our corporate and other overhead expenses.

        We are a holding company and have no material assets other than our equity interest in SES Holdings. Please see "Organizational Structure." We have no independent means of generating revenue. To the extent SES Holdings has available cash, we intend to cause SES Holdings to make (i) generally pro rata distributions to its unitholders, including us, in an amount at least sufficient to allow us to pay our taxes and to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements we entered into with the TRA Holders and any subsequent tax receivable agreements that we may enter into in connection with future acquisitions and (ii) non-pro rata payments to us to reimburse us for our corporate and other overhead expenses. We will be limited, however, in our ability to cause SES Holdings and its subsidiaries to make these and other distributions or payments to us due to certain limitations, including the restrictions under our credit facility and the cash requirements and financial condition of SES Holdings. To the extent that we need funds and SES Holdings or its subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions or payments under applicable law or regulations or under the terms of their financing arrangements or are otherwise unable to provide such funds, our liquidity and financial condition could be adversely affected.

We will be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements for certain tax benefits we may claim, and the amounts of such payments could be significant.

        In connection with the 144A Offering, we entered into two Tax Receivable Agreements which generally provide for the payment by us to the TRA Holders of 85% of the net cash savings, if any, in

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U.S. federal, state and local income and franchise tax that we actually realize (computed using simplifying assumptions to address the impact of state and local taxes) or are deemed to realize in certain circumstances as a result of certain tax basis increases, net operating losses available to us as a result of certain reorganization transactions entered into in connection with the 144A Offering, and certain tax benefits attributable to imputed interest. We will retain the benefit of the remaining 15% of these cash savings.

        The term of each Tax Receivable Agreement commenced upon the completion of the 144A Offering and will continue until all tax benefits that are subject to such Tax Receivable Agreement have been utilized or expired, unless we exercise our right to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreements (or the Tax Receivable Agreements are terminated due to other circumstances, including our breach of a material obligation thereunder or certain mergers or other changes of control) and we make the termination payment specified in the Tax Receivable Agreements. In addition, payments we make under the Tax Receivable Agreements will be increased by any interest accrued from the due date (without extensions) of the corresponding tax return. In the event that the Tax Receivable Agreements are not terminated and we have sufficient taxable income to utilize all of the tax benefits subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements, the payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement entered into with Legacy Owner Holdco and Crestview GP are expected to commence in late 2020 and to continue for 20 years after the date of the last exchange of SES Holdings LLC Units, and the payments due under the Tax Receivable Agreement entered into with an affiliate of the Contributing Legacy Owners are expected to commence in late 2020 and to continue for five taxable years following the 144A Offering.

        The payment obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements are our obligations and not obligations of SES Holdings, and we expect that the payments we will be required to make under the Tax Receivable Agreements will be substantial. Estimating the amount and timing of payments that may become due under the Tax Receivable Agreements is by its nature imprecise. For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreements, cash savings in tax generally will be calculated by comparing our actual tax liability (using the actual applicable U.S. federal income tax rate and an assumed combined state and local income and franchise tax rate) to the amount we would have been required to pay had we not been able to utilize any of the tax benefits subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements. The amounts payable, as well as the timing of any payments, under the Tax Receivable Agreements are dependent upon future events and significant assumptions, including the timing of the exchanges of SES Holdings LLC Units, the market price of our Class A common stock at the time of each exchange (since such market price will determine the amount of tax basis increases resulting from the exchange), the extent to which such exchanges are taxable transactions, the amount of the exchanging unitholder's tax basis in its SES Holdings LLC Units at the time of the relevant exchange, the depreciation and amortization periods that apply to the increase in tax basis, the amount of net operating losses available to us as a result of reorganization transactions entered into in connection with the 144A Offering, the amount and timing of taxable income we generate in the future, the U.S. federal income tax rate then applicable, and the portion of our payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements that constitute imputed interest or give rise to depreciable or amortizable tax basis.

        Certain of the TRA Holders' rights under the Tax Receivable Agreements are transferable in connection with a permitted transfer of SES Holdings LLC Units or if the TRA Holder no longer holds SES Holdings LLC Units. The payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements will not be conditioned upon the continued ownership interest in either SES Holdings or us of any holder of rights under the Tax Receivable Agreements. Please read "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreements."

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In certain cases, payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements may be accelerated and/or significantly exceed the actual benefits, if any, we realize in respect of the tax attributes subject to the Tax Receivable Agreements.

        If we elect to terminate the Tax Receivable Agreements early or they are terminated early due to our failure to honor a material obligation thereunder or due to certain mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes of control, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements would accelerate and we would be required to make an immediate payment equal to the present value of the anticipated future payments to be made by us under the Tax Receivable Agreements (determined by applying a discount rate of the lesser of 6.50% per annum, compounded annually, or one-year LIBOR plus 100 basis points); and such payment is expected to be substantial. The calculation of anticipated future payments will be based upon certain assumptions and deemed events set forth in the Tax Receivable Agreements, including (i) the assumption that we have sufficient taxable income to fully utilize the tax benefits covered by the Tax Receivable Agreements, (ii) the assumption that any SES Holdings LLC Units (other than those held by us) outstanding on the termination date are exchanged on the termination date and (iii) certain loss or credit carryovers will be utilized in the taxable year that includes the termination date. Any early termination payment may be made significantly in advance of the actual realization, if any, of the future tax benefits to which the termination payment relates.

        As a result of either an early termination or a change of control, we could be required to make payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements that exceed our actual cash tax savings under the Tax Receivable Agreements. In these situations, our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements could have a substantial negative impact on our liquidity and could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing certain mergers, asset sales or other forms of business combinations or changes of control. For example, if the Tax Receivable Agreements were terminated immediately after this offering, the estimated termination payments would, in the aggregate, be approximately $218.2 million (calculated using a discount rate equal to the lesser of 6.50% per annum, compounded annually, or one-year LIBOR plus 100 basis points, applied against an undiscounted liability of $288.4 million). The foregoing number is merely an estimate and the actual payment could differ materially. There can be no assurance that we will be able to finance our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreements.

        Payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements will be based on the tax reporting positions that we will determine. The TRA Holders will not reimburse us for any payments previously made under the Tax Receivable Agreements if any tax benefits that have given rise to payments under the Tax Receivable Agreements are subsequently disallowed, except that excess payments made to the TRA Holders will be netted against payments that would otherwise be made to the TRA Holders, if any, after our determination of such excess. As a result, in such circumstances, we could make payments that are greater than our actual cash tax savings, if any, and may not be able to recoup those payments, which could adversely affect our liquidity.

        Please read "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreements."

If SES Holdings were to become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we and SES Holdings might be subject to potentially significant tax inefficiencies, and we would not be able to recover payments previously made by us under the Tax Receivable Agreements even if the corresponding tax benefits were subsequently determined to have been unavailable due to such status.

        We intend to operate such that SES Holdings does not become a publicly traded partnership taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A "publicly traded partnership" is a partnership, the interests of which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof. Under certain circumstances, exchanges of SES Holdings LLC Units pursuant to an Exchange Right (or our Call Right) or other transfers of SES Holdings LLC Units could cause SES Holdings to be treated as a publicly traded partnership.

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Applicable U.S. Treasury regulations provide for certain safe harbors from treatment as a publicly traded partnership, and we intend to operate such that exchanges or other transfers of SES Holdings LLC Units qualify for one or more such safe harbors. For example, we intend to limit the number of unitholders of SES Holdings and Legacy Owner Holdco, and the SES Holdings LLC Agreement, provides for limitations on the ability of unitholders of SES Holdings to transfer their SES Holdings LLC Units and will provide us, as managing member of SES Holdings, with the right to impose restrictions (in addition to those already in place) on the ability of unitholders of SES Holdings to exchange their SES Holdings LLC Units pursuant to an Exchange Right to the extent we believe it is necessary to ensure that SES Holdings will continue to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        If SES Holdings were to become a publicly traded partnership, significant tax inefficiencies might result for us and for SES Holdings. In addition, we may not be able to realize tax benefits covered under the Tax Receivable Agreements, and we would not be able to recover any payments previously made by us under the Tax Receivable Agreements, even if the corresponding tax benefits (including any claimed increase in the tax basis of SES Holdings' assets) were subsequently determined to have been unavailable.

The sale or exchange of 50% or more of the capital and profits interests of SES Holdings during any twelve-month period will result in the termination of the SES Holdings partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which could result in significant deferral of depreciation deductions allowable in computing our taxable income.

        SES Holdings will be considered to have terminated its partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of 50% or more of the total interests in its capital and profits within a twelve-month period. For purposes of determining whether the 50% threshold has been met, multiple sales of the same interest will be counted only once. Among other consequences, the termination of SES Holdings for U.S. federal income tax purposes could result in a significant deferral of depreciation deductions allowable in computing SES Holdings' taxable income, including the taxable income of SES Holdings that is allocable to us. The termination of SES Holdings would not affect its classification as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but it would result in its being treated as a new partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes following the termination.

Legacy Owner Holdco and the Legacy Owners have interests that conflict with holders of shares of our Class A common stock.

        Immediately following this offering, Legacy Owner Holdco will own approximately 55.5% of the outstanding SES Holdings LLC Units. Because it holds a portion of its ownership interest in our business in the form of direct ownership interests in SES Holdings rather than through us, Legacy Owner Holdco may have conflicting interests with holders of shares of Class A common stock. For example, Legacy Owner Holdco may have different tax positions from us, and decisions we make in the course of running our business, such as with respect to mergers, asset sales, other forms of business combinations or other changes in control, may affect the timing and amount of payments that are received by the TRA Holders under the Tax Receivable Agreements. See "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Tax Receivable Agreements" and "Summary—Our Relationship with Crestview Partners."

        The fact that Legacy Owner Holdco will have voting control over all matters that require the approval of our stockholders amplifies the potential risks to our company and our other stockholders relating to the conflicts of interest described above.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        The information in this prospectus includes "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this prospectus regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this prospectus, the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading "Risk Factors" included in this prospectus. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Our forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those summarized below:

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the level of capital spending by domestic oil and gas companies;



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trends and volatility in oil and gas prices;



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demand for our services;



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regional impacts to our business, including our key infrastructure assets within the Bakken;



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our level of indebtedness and our ability to comply with covenants contained in our credit facility or future debt instruments;



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our access to capital to fund expansions, acquisitions and our working capital needs and our ability to obtain debt or equity financing on satisfactory terms;



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our safety performance;



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the impact of current and future laws, rulings and governmental regulations, including those related to hydraulic fracturing, accessing water, disposing of wastewater and various environmental matters;



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our ability to retain key management and employees;



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the impacts of competition on our operations;



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our ability to hire and retain skilled labor;



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delays or restrictions in obtaining permits by us or our customers;



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constraints in supply or availability of equipment used in our business;



•

the impacts of advancements in drilling and well service technologies;



•

changes in global economic conditions, generally, and in the markets we serve;



•

accidents, weather, seasonality or other events affecting our business; and



•

the other risks identified in this prospectus including, without limitation, those under the headings "Risk Factors," "Business," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions."

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        These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on our future results. Our future results will depend upon various other risks and uncertainties, including those described elsewhere in this prospectus under the heading, "Risk Factors." Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering, assuming an initial public offering price of $16.50 per share (the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus) and after deducting the underwriters' discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us will be approximately $161.7 million. We intend to contribute all of the net proceeds received by us to SES Holdings in exchange for SES Holdings LLC Units. SES Holdings intends to use the net proceeds in the following manner: (i) $34 million will be used to repay borrowings incurred under our credit facility to fund the cash portion of the purchase price of the Permian Acquisition; (ii) $10.7 million will be used for the cash settlement of outstanding phantom units at SES Holdings; (iii) approximately $77 million will be used for 2017 budgeted capital expenditures (including approximately $5 million related to the expansion of our Bakken Pipeline systems); and (iv) the balance will be used for general corporate purposes, including other organic and acquisition growth opportunities.

        Our credit facility matures on February 28, 2020. As of April 6, 2017, we had $34.0 million of drawn borrowings and $16.1 million of letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.5%. The outstanding borrowings under our credit facility were incurred to fund the Permian Acquisition.

        A $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $16.50 per share would cause the net proceeds from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, received by us to increase or decrease, respectively, by approximately $10.0 million, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus remains the same. If the proceeds increase due to a higher initial public offering price or due to the issuance of additional shares by us, we would contribute the additional net proceeds received by us to SES Holdings in exchange for SES Holdings LLC Units. SES Holdings intends to use the additional net proceeds for general corporate purposes. If the proceeds decrease due to a lower initial public offering price or a decrease in the number of shares issued by us, then we would decrease the amount of net proceeds contributed to SES Holdings and SES Holdings would reduce by a corresponding amount the net proceeds directed to general corporate purposes. Any reduction in net proceeds may cause us to need to borrow additional funds under our credit facilities to fund our operations, which would increase our interest expense and decrease our net income.

        We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares of our Class A common stock by the selling shareholders in connection with the exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option. We will pay all expenses related to this offering, other than underwriting discounts and commissions related to the shares sold by the selling shareholders in connection with the exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.

        Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are lenders under our credit facility and, accordingly, such affiliates may receive a portion of the net proceeds from this offering. See "Underwriting."

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DIVIDEND POLICY

        We do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends to holders of our Class A common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business. Our future dividend policy is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon then-existing conditions, including our results of operations and financial condition, capital requirements, business prospects, statutory and contractual restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, including restrictions contained in our credit agreement and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant.

        Holders of shares of our Class A-1 common stock issued in the 144A Offering are entitled to receive Special Stock Dividends that will accrue and be payable only in additional shares of Class A-1 common stock if certain conditions are not met. For additional information, please read "Description of Capital Stock—Class A-1 Common Stock—Dividend Rights."

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table shows our cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of December 31, 2016:

•

on an actual basis;



•

on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the Permian Acquisition and the transactions contemplated thereby; and



•

on an as further adjusted basis to give effect to (i) this offering at an assumed initial offering price of $16.50 per share (which is the midpoint of the range set forth on the cover of this prospectus) and (ii) the application of the net proceeds, after deducting the estimated underwriters' discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, as set forth in "Use of Proceeds." You should refer to "Use of Proceeds," "Selected Consolidated Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the financial statements contained in the F-pages to this prospectus in evaluating the material presented below.

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DILUTION

        Purchasers of the Class A common stock in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value per share of the Class A common stock for accounting purposes. Our net tangible book value as of December 31, 2016 was approximately $334.7 million, or $5.73 per share of Class A common stock. Adjusted net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing our tangible net worth (tangible assets less total liabilities) by the total number of outstanding shares of Class A common stock that will be outstanding immediately prior to the closing of this offering (assuming that 100% of our Class A-1 common stock and 100% of our Class B common stock has been converted into shares of Class A common stock). After giving effect to the sale of the shares in this offering and further assuming the receipt of the estimated net proceeds (after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses), our as further adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2016 would have been approximately $491.2 million, or $7.09 per share. This represents an immediate increase in the net tangible book value of $1.29 per share to our existing shareholders and an immediate dilution (i.e., the difference between the offering price and the as further adjusted net tangible book value after this offering) to new investors purchasing shares in this offering of $9.41 per share. The following table illustrates the per share dilution to new investors purchasing shares in this offering (assuming that 100% of our Class A-1 common stock and 100% of our Class B common stock has been converted into shares of Class A common stock):

        The following table summarizes, on an as further adjusted basis as of December 31, 2016, the total number of shares of Class A common stock owned by existing shareholders (assuming that 100% of our Class A-1 common stock and 100% of our Class B common stock has been converted into shares of Class A common stock) and to be owned by new investors, the total consideration paid, and the average price per share paid by our existing shareholders and to be paid by new investors in this offering at $16.50, calculated before deduction of estimated underwriting discounts and commissions.

        The data in the table excludes 5,448,000 shares of Class A common stock reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plan immediately following this offering, 1,088,024 of which are subject to outstanding awards.

        If the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, the number of shares held by new investors will be increased to 12,190,000, or approximately 17.6% of the total number of shares of Class A common stock (assuming that 100% of our Class A-1 common stock and 100% of our Class B common stock has been converted into shares of Class A common stock).

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table presents our selected historical financial data for the periods and as of the dates indicated. The statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the F-pages of this prospectus.

        Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results we expect in future periods. The data presented below should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, "Capitalization" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

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