Select Water Solutions enhances produced water treatment and reduces emissions in the Permian Basin

The Colorado Produced Water Consortium meeting held on May 9, 2025, focused on the ongoing challenges and advancements in the management of produced water in the state. Key discussions revolved around the treatment, storage, and reuse of produced water, particularly in the context of reducing freshwater consumption and addressing environmental concerns.

One of the primary topics was the implementation of centralized water treatment facilities. These facilities are crucial for processing produced water, which is a byproduct of oil and gas extraction. The meeting highlighted the importance of reducing truck traffic by developing pipeline systems to transport treated water efficiently. The consortium discussed the need for extensive pipeline infrastructure, with over a thousand miles already in place, to facilitate the movement of produced water across various regions.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the management of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in produced water. Participants noted that while current treatment methods, such as dissolved air flotation, help reduce VOC levels, there is still a need for improved technologies to capture emissions effectively. The discussion included the potential benefits of enclosing treatment systems to minimize VOC release into the atmosphere.

The consortium also addressed the necessity of disposal wells, acknowledging that despite efforts to recycle and reuse produced water, some disposal will always be required due to fluctuating oil prices and operational demands. The meeting underscored the importance of balancing water reuse with responsible disposal practices to ensure environmental safety.

In conclusion, the Colorado Produced Water Consortium is actively working towards enhancing the management of produced water through innovative treatment solutions and infrastructure development. The discussions from this meeting reflect a commitment to reducing environmental impacts while meeting the operational needs of the oil and gas industry. Future steps will likely involve further exploration of emission reduction technologies and the expansion of pipeline networks to support large-scale water reuse initiatives.