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San Juan County votes to support study of treated produced water and join Water Alliance petition
Summary
San Juan County commissioners approved a resolution to back further study of treated produced water, join a Water Alliance petition (WQCC 26-18) seeking local hearings, and pursue community meetings; proponents said the move is to explore nonpotable uses while opponents raised questions about local liability and oversight.
San Juan County commissioners voted to adopt Resolution 25-26-66 supporting continued study of treated produced water, joining the Water Alliance's petition for a hearing (WQCC 26-18) and hosting local meetings so residents can hear experts and weigh in.
Matthew Gonzales, vice president of state affairs for the Consumer Energy Alliance, told the commission the resolution has three aims: continue studying treated produced water and its potential benefits; join the Water Alliance petition that requests hearings outside Santa Fe; and press for local meetings so affected communities can participate. Gonzales said the state now produces “roughly seven to 10 barrels of produced water for every barrel of oil” and that much of that water is deep-injected or shipped out of state. “The goal is not to say drink this water,” he said. “It is to see whether, if verified safe, it could be used in oil-and-gas operations, manufacturing, data centers or nonconsumptive agricultural uses.”
Commissioners asked how joining the petition would affect county liability and responsibilities. Gonzales said co‑petitioning would not create costs for the county and that the Water Alliance would represent the petition; he said counties would receive updates and that the rulemaking process would determine who administers treated produced water. “There will be no costs incurred by the local government,” he said.
Aaron Chavez, a member of the San Juan Water Commission, asked for clarification on the statewide produced-water ratio and local volumes; Gonzales said statewide averages vary by formation and he could not provide a county-specific number. Chavez later said he personally supported a responsible approach to managing produced water.
Commissioners discussed infrastructure and treatment capacity and how rulemaking could clarify which agency or entity would administer rights or permits related to treated produced water. The commission approved the resolution by voice vote; the motion to support Resolution 25-26-66 was made on the record and carried.
The resolution asks that the county be a co‑petitioner to seek local hearings and to continue engagement with the Water Alliance and relevant state agencies as the rulemaking proceeds. Proponents said the goal is a transparent hearing process grounded in current science; the resolution does not commit San Juan County to any specific future reuse or regulatory outcome.
The county manager and staff will receive updates from the Water Alliance and the Consumer Energy Alliance as the petition and any resulting rulemaking move forward.
