Last week, The Texas Tribune spotlighted a growing push among Texas lawmakers to repurpose treated oilfield wastewater to support the state’s long-term water needs. It’s a move that could reshape how the industry manages produced water—while also unlocking critical sustainability benefits.
So what do the trends reveal?
B3 Insight’s data shows that in 2024, alternative disposal is gaining traction. Produced water managed through land application—non-injection methods—has climbed to nearly 50,000 barrels per day, a fourfold increase over the previous year.
This sharp rise reflects a growing need for flexible, surface-based water management solutions. When companies apply for a land application permit through the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), they’re typically seeking to repurpose treated produced water or gas plant effluent for uses other than injection—reducing reliance on saltwater disposal (SWD) wells.
According to RRC guidance, approved land application uses include:
- Irrigation – Agricultural application of treated water
- Dust Suppression – On lease roads, pads, and infrastructure
- Evaporation/Impoundment Management – Storage or controlled evaporation
- Soil Conditioning or Beneficial Reuse – Including land amendments in certain cases
As disposal via injection becomes more constrained—due to elevated formation pressures, rising costs, or seismicity-related regulations—operators are turning to surface-based options to maintain operational flexibility.
Where is this happening?
While East Texas currently leads in land application activity, our data suggests that this trend may soon expand. In regions like the Permian, where injection pressures are rising and regulatory scrutiny is intensifying, alternative disposal methods will play an increasingly important role in sustaining production and ensuring compliance.
Looking ahead: Should new legislation advance, we anticipate continued growth in land application as part of a broader shift in produced water management.
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Related Products: Oilfield H2O | Subsurface Injection Pressure