Produced water, which is usually saline, is the natural groundwater that comes up with the oil and gas during production. The water is separated from the oil and gas in the production process. Produced water is typically injected into underground formations, often back into the reservoir to recover more oil and gas. Under EPA permits, some produced water is discharged overboard at offshore locations. The operation of underground injection wells conforms to strict EPA and state regulations.
Technology plays an important role in protecting water.
Increasingly, companies are sharing and exchanging their technology, thereby multiplying its usefulness. With today's cost pressures, and the need to find technical solutions quickly, companies are learning that partnering is a creative way to do more with less. The company stories that follow illustrate the many ways this industry is working to protect water. DAPS is a pump design, developed by Texaco at an oil field in east Texas, for separating water and oil in the hole. DAPS eliminates the need to bring up water for treatment.