Sources, Characteristics, and Management of Produced Waters from Natural Gas Production and Storage Operations

Produced water is the single largest volume source of waste produced by the oil and gas industry. These waters are generated as a result of crude oil and natural gas production, including both onshore and offshore sources. Unconventional sources of natural gas, such as coalbed methane also generate water upon production of the gas. Produced waters are also generated along with the withdrawal of natural gas from underground storage reservoirs.