New Mexico considers reuse of oil and gas wastewater amid safety concerns

New Mexico regulators propose reusing treated oil and gas wastewater in industrial processes but prohibit its discharge into rivers due to safety concerns.

Martha Pskowski reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• New Mexico generates billions of gallons of toxic wastewater annually from oil and gas drilling, currently injected underground or transported to Texas for disposal.
• Proposed rules allow treated wastewater reuse in industry but prohibit river discharges, citing insufficient safety data.
• Environmental advocates worry about risks, while industry groups argue the rules are too restrictive compared to other states.

Key quote:

“The scientific research that would allow us to protectively permit treated produced water discharge simply does not exist.”

— Andrew Knight, NMED assistant general counsel

Why this matters:

New Mexico faces severe water shortages and must explore alternatives to traditional water sources. Safe reuse of treated wastewater could provide a new water supply but poses potential environmental and public health risks.