TIPWA represents the independent midstream companies that gather, transport, recycle, and safely dispose of produced water from Texas oil and gas operations — protecting groundwater, reducing freshwater demand, and supporting the state's energy economy.
Produced water is the naturally occurring water that comes to the surface alongside oil and natural gas. It is the largest byproduct stream of energy production — and one of Texas's biggest untapped opportunities.
Produced water has been trapped in deep geologic formations for millions of years. It is typically several times saltier than seawater and contains dissolved minerals, trace hydrocarbons, and naturally occurring constituents that require careful management.
Independent produced water companies operate the gathering pipelines, recycling facilities, and saltwater disposal (SWD) wells that move and manage this water — infrastructure that lets producers focus on energy production while specialists handle the water safely.
With advanced treatment, produced water can be recycled for reuse in completions today — and, as technology and regulation advance, treated for beneficial uses like industrial supply and land application, reducing pressure on Texas's fresh water resources.
Every step of the produced water lifecycle is engineered, permitted, and monitored to protect people, groundwater, and the environment.
Modern gathering systems move water by pipeline instead of truck — removing millions of truck miles from Texas roads, cutting emissions, and reducing spill risk with continuous leak detection.
Treatment facilities clean produced water for reuse in new well completions, displacing fresh and brackish water. In the Permian Basin, recycled produced water now supplies a large share of completion demand.
Saltwater disposal wells inject water thousands of feet below ground into isolated formations, behind multiple layers of steel casing and cement — far beneath usable groundwater.
The Railroad Commission of Texas permits and inspects every disposal and recycling facility, while the TCEQ oversees discharge and land application standards. Operators monitor pressure, volume, and integrity continuously.
SCADA systems track flows and pressures across networks in real time. Automated shut-offs, regular mechanical integrity testing, and emergency response plans are standard practice.
Through the Texas Produced Water Consortium and industry pilots, the state is establishing the science and standards for treating produced water to quality levels fit for beneficial use outside the oilfield.
Texas produces more water than ever. Meeting that growth responsibly requires sound policy, continued investment, and regulatory certainty.
Water-to-oil ratios rise as wells age. Disposal capacity in core areas is tightening, making new infrastructure, recycling, and beneficial reuse essential to sustaining production.
Deep injection in certain areas has been linked to seismic activity. Industry is responding by shifting to shallow zones, curtailing volumes in Seismic Response Areas, and expanding recycling — reducing the need for disposal altogether.
Texas faces a projected long-term water deficit. Treated produced water could supplement supplies for industry and agriculture — but only with continued investment in treatment science and infrastructure.
Beneficial reuse requires clear rules on ownership, liability, and water quality standards. HB 49 (2025) was a landmark step; consistent implementation by state agencies is the next one.
Desalinating water several times saltier than the ocean is energy-intensive. Scaling cost-effective treatment — and finding markets for clean water and byproducts — is the industry's defining commercial challenge.
Communities deserve transparency about what produced water is and how it's handled. TIPWA is committed to science-based education and open engagement with landowners, regulators, and the public.
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The 2025 session was a turning point for produced water policy in Texas. Key measures tracked by TIPWA:
Defines ownership of treated produced water, limits liability for operators and treaters who meet state standards, and directs rulemaking for beneficial use — the legal foundation for reuse beyond the oilfield. Bill history →
Authorizes the TCEQ to permit land application of treated water from mining and oil & gas operations under water quality standards protecting surface and groundwater. Bill history →
Updates application fee structures for disposal permits and amendments at the Railroad Commission, supporting permitting capacity and review timelines. Bill history →
Major water infrastructure legislation expanding the Texas Water Fund and supporting new water supply strategies — including desalination and reuse infrastructure relevant to produced water's future. Bill history →
Would expressly authorize the Railroad Commission to adopt rules and issue permits for recycling and beneficial use of produced water, with applicant assistance requirements. Bill history →
Whether you're an operator, midstream company, policymaker, landowner, or researcher — TIPWA welcomes your engagement as Texas builds the framework for safe, beneficial produced water management.
Contact TIPWA