produced water

Produced water is the naturally occurring water that comes out of an oil or gas well during the extraction process. It contains a mix of formation water, hydrocarbons, and chemicals used in drilling or extraction. This water often has a high mineral content and contaminants, making it unsuitable for drinking or agriculture without treatment. Managing produced water is important for environmental protection, as improper disposal can cause pollution. It is typically treated to remove harmful substances before being reused, reinjected into the ground, or safely disposed of.