Colorado Consortium Tackles Barriers to Recycled Produced Water in Disproportionately Impacted Communities

The Colorado Produced Water Consortium convened on July 11, 2025, to address significant barriers to the increased use of recycled produced water, particularly concerning centralized storage and treatment facilities in disproportionately impacted communities. This meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment to tackle complex environmental issues with a pragmatic approach.

Key discussions centered around the challenges posed by prohibitions on centralized produced water storage, which could hinder the effective recycling of water resources. Consortium members emphasized the importance of engaging with affected communities to identify viable solutions. Notable contributions came from Roni Kumar of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, who presented environmental justice mapping tools, and Kevin Chan, who advocated for community engagement in the decision-making process.

Local government perspectives were provided by Adams County officials, including Commissioner Emma Pinter and Environmental Programs Manager Katie Keefe, who discussed considerations for citing centralized facilities. Technical insights were shared by industry representatives, including Rick McCurdy from Select Water Solutions, who addressed the technical aspects of building these facilities.

The meeting also featured discussions on the evolution of produced water management on Bureau of Land Management lands, presented by Carmia Woolley, and historical insights from attorney Matt Sura regarding produced water on the Western Slope. The involvement of various stakeholders, including environmental justice liaisons and county commissioners, underscored the collaborative effort to navigate the complexities of produced water management.

As the consortium continues to explore these critical issues, the focus remains on developing practical solutions that prioritize both environmental sustainability and community welfare. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential strategies to overcome the identified barriers, ensuring that the benefits of recycled produced water can be realized across Colorado.