Produced Water: A Complex Resource
Introduction: Unlocking the Potential of Produced Water
Produced water, a byproduct of oil and gas extraction, is a complex yet significant resource that demands our attention. This page aims to unravel the intricacies of produced water, exploring its characteristics, challenges, and the innovative approaches being taken to manage and utilize this unique substance.
What is Produced Water?
Produced water is a byproduct of oil and gas extraction, often containing a mixture of chemical compounds, minerals, and hydrocarbons. Historically, the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), the literal amount of organic and inorganic material dissolved in the water, has been too high for reuse. However, associations like the Texas Produced Water Consortium and the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium have begun pilot projects aiming to treat produced water to reusable levels.
How Does Produced Water Affect Texas Agriculture?
Fresh water is already a dangerously overused resource. Due to greater groundwater extraction and less time for aquifers to recharge between extractions, this vital resource needed by farmers and ranchers across the state could be lost without action. In addition to these issues facing our natural water resources, existing fresh water supply is being used in the extraction of oil and gas. This often leaves behind a product that is unsafe for use due to a high concentration of metals and unsafe levels of radiation.
While there are currently options for treating produced water to make it reusable, they often go unused due to cost. This means that a non-insignificant portion of our water resources are being left unusable by oil and gas companies. Produced water means less fresh, usable water for farmers and ranchers, negatively affecting the agricultural practices of the state and beyond. However, there is hope for the future of produced water treatment and reusability.
Produced Water in New Mexico
New Mexico, recognizing the challenges associated with produced water, has established collaborative treatment efforts. The New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico State University have begun work on their joint commitment to studying and managing the treatment of produced water. They aim to establish regulations in produced water treatment while also pushing for oil and gas companies to use the treated produced water rather than fresh water.
The Future of Produced Water
Due to produced water's varied composition, there are multiple challenges in treatment and disposal. Its intricate mix of contaminants demands advanced technologies and innovative solutions for responsible management. The treatment process shows promise for nation-wide and global efforts, but as the Texas Produced Water Consortium has noted, the implementation of these processes on a wider level requires a strong demonstration from the Permian Basin. The consortium reports that multiple tests using produced water for agricultural needs, done in West Texas, Colorado, and Qatar showed promise. However, the process still needs improvement. As noted in the report,
“The results from this study indicated that irrigation with even 5% produced water dilution led to decreases in soil health, microbial diversity and crop yields.”
Produced water also shows promise in the thermoelectric sector as a coolant. The use of brackish water for livestock in one study did not have negative impacts on their health. However, the high salinity leads to the livestock drinking and eating less which leads to reduced size and negative health effects. The consortium’s findings show that despite current shortcomings, there is a hopeful future in the usage of treated produced water that deserves to be pursued. Water is vital; to leave produced water untreated and useless is a wasteful process that hurts the land and the people who work it.
To learn more about SARA’s work in produced water treatment, contact Lacy or Tillery at contact@sara-conservation.com to learn more about opportunities and what to expect from a restoration project.
