The New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium will host three public education information sessions on the status of current research and development on the fit-for-purpose treatment and reuse of oil and gas produced water Tuesday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 25 in Hobbs, News Mexico. New Mexico State University is leading the work in partnership with the New Mexico Environment Department.

All three sessions will cover the same information. A session will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 at the New Mexico Junior College, Training and Outreach Facility, Room 122, 1 Thunderbird Circle in Hobbs. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. A breakfast meeting from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 25 and a lunch meeting from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, will be held at the Center of Recreational Excellence, Meeting Room, 4827 N. Lovington Highway in Hobbs.

Refreshments will be served on Tuesday, and light meals will be offered at the Wednesday sessions. Attendance is free to the public. COVID-19 safe practices will be implemented, as needed. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nm-produced-water-research-consortium-public-education-workshop-tickets-338340494527. 

The mission of the Consortium is to advance scientific research and technology development required to guide future statewide produced water reuse policy. The sessions will include an overview of produced water generation in New Mexico and general Consortium activities. Attendees are encouraged to participate in a dialogue of questions and answers with the presenters.

In 2020, New Mexico’s oil and gas industry generated approximately 60 billion gallons of produced water, more than 160 million gallons per day. Treated produced water has the potential to augment or substitute for fresh water in many fit-for-purpose uses in a time of long-term climate aridity and declining freshwater availability in New Mexico.

The New Mexico 2019 Produced Water Act provided the impetus for the New Mexico Environment Department and NMSU to enter into a memorandum of understanding to create a Consortium to perform vital research related to the treatment and fit-for-purpose reuse of produced water. The Consortium works closely with the United States Environmental Protection Agency to lead a national effort on research and development in this area to support the development of appropriate science-based regulations, permitting and guidance for the safe use of treated produced water.