Reuse of oil and gas produced water in south-eastern New Mexico: resource assessment, treatment processes, and policy

Abstract

The Permian Basin of south-eastern New Mexico in the United States exemplifies the combination of rapidly expanding oil and gas production with freshwater shortages and aquifer stress. Reuse of saline produced water can provide a stable supply of water for drilling, fracturing and completion and minimize consumptive use of freshwater. We discuss water withdrawals and use by the oil and gas industry in this region, processes for reuse and recycling of produced water in place of freshwater, and operational and policy changes to help improve maximal use of all available water resources in this arid region.

Keywords:

• produced water
• hydraulic fracturing
• drought
• water reuse
• Permian Basin

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the US Department of Energy and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Data were supplied by the Office of the Secretary, New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.