Potential of Oilfield Produced Water for Irrigation in California

There are multiple efforts underway to better understand and regulate the reuse of oilfield produced water (OPW) for irrigation, especially impacts on crop health and food safety. This project brings together novel research conducted by various scientists, distilled into a set of recommendations and decision tools. A framework and an interactive online map to guide further expansion of the practice of reuse of OPW for irrigation is available to use. The research addresses the chief barriers to expanding the practice: a lack of public confidence that there are sufficient protections in place, and lack of information on the extent to which OPW may represent an untapped resource of appropriate-quality irrigation water on an irrigation-district scale. Research partner: California State Water Resources Control Board. Published in 2023.