Science supports safe reuse of treated produced waterNew Mexico now has a promising path for addressing its water resource challenges through th...
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network
New Mexico now has a promising path for addressing its water resource challenges through the treatment and beneficial reuse of produced water, which is generated from oil and gas operations. Unfortunately, some of the same voices who question the value of energy production to the state’s bottom line — including the industry revenues that help fund education and child care programs — successfully pressured the Water Quality Control Commission to vacate their earlier decision to hold a hearing on the reuse petition. That hearing would have provided a forum to examine the scientific evidence supporting the safe and beneficial reuse of treated produced water for diverse economic development opportunities like data centers, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy projects and nonfood agriculture.
Most importantly, using treated produced water to meet our compact delivery obligations with Texas would help protect local water rights in Taos County — where Chevron recently worked to protect water rights for the village of Questa, mutual domestic water associations, and local farmers — as well as in other rural communities across New Mexico. California has safely used treated produced water for nearly two decades. Texas is now advancing its own beneficial reuse initiatives, including the use of treated produced water transported across the state line from southeastern New Mexico. But this water is a resource that should remain in New Mexico, where it can help secure our future and benefit the communities that make this state strong.
We thank the governor and the Legislature for their past support in safeguarding critical water rights in places like Questa. We now urge the Water Quality Control Commission to vote again to set a new hearing for the WATR Alliance petition. The commission should continue its work and fully consider the scientific evidence supporting the safe and beneficial reuse of treated produced water. By listening to the science, New Mexico can unlock its full potential — ensuring every resident and community can thrive in a diversified, resilient economy.
Attached link
https://www.santafenewmexican.com/opinion/my_view/science-supports-safe-reuse-of-treated-produced-water/article_52d91fc9-d156-4932-99f3-3124e46452e0.htmlTaxonomy
- Produced Water Treatment
- Quality
- Water Quality
- Produced Water
- New Mexico, United States
- water reuse - regulations and permitting
- Domestic Water Use