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Fact Sheet 2014–3104

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Integrated Research by the Energy and Minerals and the Environmental Health Mission Areas

USGS Investigations of Water Produced During Hydrocarbon Reservoir Development

By Mark A. Engle, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, and Bruce D. Smith

Thumbnail of and link to report PDF (406 KB)Abstract

Significant quantities of water are present in hydrocarbon reservoirs. When brought to the land surface during oil, gas, and coalbed methane production, the water—either naturally occurring or injected as a method to enhance production—is termed produced water. Produced water is currently managed through processes such as recycling, treatment and discharge, spreading on roads, evaporation or infiltration, and deep well injection. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conduct research and publish data related to produced water, thus providing information and insight to scientists, decisionmakers, the energy industry, and the public. The information advances scientific knowledge, informs resource management decisions, and facilitates environmental protection. This fact sheet discusses integrated research being conducted by USGS scientists supported by programs in the Energy and Minerals and Environmental Health Mission Areas. The research products help inform decisions pertaining to understanding the nature and management of produced water in the United States.

First posted November 10, 2014

For additional information, contact:
Office of Associate Director, Energy and Minerals
U.S. Geological Survey
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20192
http://www.usgs.gov/energy_minerals/

Or

Office of Associate Director, Environmental Health
U.S. Geological Survey
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20192
http://www.usgs.gov/envirohealth/

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Suggested citation:

Engle, M.A., Cozzarelli, I.M., and Smith, B.D., 2014, USGS investigations of water produced during hydrocarbon reservoir development: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2014–3104, 4 p., https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/fs20143104.

ISSN 2327–6932 (online)



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