Flowback and Produced Waters

This book explores the complexities of managing produced water in oil and gas production, highlighting challenges and potential beneficial uses.

Produced water, the water extracted from underground formations during oil and gas production, represents the largest volume of byproduct generated in this industry. Managing this water involves a variety of methods, including underground injection, treatment for reuse, discharge, or evaporation, all while adhering to state and federal regulations. The complexities of produced water management impact not only industry operators and regulators but also landowners and the general public. Variations in water quality and quantity, along with differing infrastructure requirements and environmental concerns, add layers of difficulty to the disposal, storage, and transportation of produced water.

The book Flowback and Produced Waters delves into the nuances of unconventional oil and gas development, which employs advanced techniques like horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. This process entails the high-pressure injection of fluid to create fractures in rock formations, allowing oil and gas to flow more freely. After this procedure, some of the injected fluid returns to the surface, known as flowback water, which often combines with naturally occurring produced water. The changing chemistry and volume of this water throughout the life of a well are influenced by several factors, including the original water and rock chemistry, the type of hydrocarbons produced, and the methods of production.

A workshop organized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine aimed to address the challenges and potential opportunities in managing produced water from unconventional hydrocarbon development. This publication encapsulates the discussions and presentations from that workshop, providing insights into the environmental and regulatory contexts, technologies for management, and research innovations that could enhance the beneficial use of these waters. Flowback and Produced Waters is a comprehensive resource for understanding these critical issues.