Water Quality in Areas of Oil and Gas Production - Oil Field Produced Water

Introduction

Produced water is brought to the surface during oil and gas production activities, and it is composed of different constituents including oil and gas. Produced water can be disposed of in either class II injection wells, produced water ponds, or is recycled. Class II injection wells include enhanced oil recovery (EOR) wells, and disposal wells. Class II injection wells are permitted through the Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources and produced water ponds are permitted though the Regional Water Quality Control Boards.