The Cawelo Water District is working on a new “produced water” project to increase its irrigation supplies. Produced water is water that comes up with oil during pumping. The district has used oilfield produced water blended with other surface supplies for irrigation for about two decades.  Discussion about the new project began in early August. The project is expected to be completed in early 2026. Construction was pushed back due to a delay in biological studies but is expected to start at the end of this month.

Other produced water news:

• Albuquerque Journal (N.M.): Opinion: Oil industry pressure to reuse its toxic waste endangers New Mexico