Unlocking Sustainability: Transforming Tight-Oil Produced Water into a Lifeline for West Texas

This study examines the potential for treating and reusing tight-oil produced water (TPW) in West Texas to alleviate water shortages, preserve groundwater resources and mitigate seismicity. TPW, a byproduct of tight-oil extraction, is commonly disposed of in saltwater disposal wells if not used in hydraulic fracturing. Given the seismicity induced by saltwater disposal, regulatory actions have been taken in that regard which may subsequently restrict hydrocarbon production. However, this study demonstrates that treated TPW could meet 24% of the region’s projected irrigation water shortage. By analyzing water production volumes, industry samples, and projected demand, consistent TPW origins are accurately defined, and the Delaware Basin near the Texas-New Mexico border is identified as a suitable location for treatment facilities. Variances in TPW salinity between the Delaware and Midland basins suggest the Wolfcamp A interval in Reeves County as a promising site for treatment. Also highlighted is the need for TPW management despite its significant contribution to hydraulic fracturing water usage. Even if TPW is the sole water resource for hydraulic fracturing, disposal could still be reduced through TPW treatment to meet 40% of the water demand in 10 counties within the Delaware and Midland basins. Future research should explore TPW treatment in other regions with unconventional hydrocarbon production, while standardizing irrigation water quality requirements would help evaluate TPW treatment for agriculture. This interdisciplinary study provides a foundation for sustainable water resource utilization.