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Commissioner Christian: Texas Must Fast-Track Industrial Reuse of Treated Produced Water

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October 15, 2026
AUSTIN, Texas — RRC Commissioner Wayne Christian today urged Texas lawmakers and regulators to fast-track a clear, efficient regulatory pathway for the industrial reuse of treated produced water. Citing research from The University of Texas at Austin and Texas Tech University, Christian argued that Texas is proving it can transform an enormous oil-and-gas byproduct into a valuable water resource to support the state’s growing economy, data center expansion and oil and gas production.“Texas desperately needs more water, and our oil and gas industry sits on an ocean of it,” Christian said. “Texas must streamline the process to allow for the industrial reuse of treated produced water. This is a common-sense, win-win solution. We need clear, predictable rules that enable data centers and private industry to put this resource to work safely, efficiently and economically. If gaps in regulatory authority remain, let’s close them this legislative session.”

Recent research from The University of Texas at Austin examined existing treatment and desalination technologies capable of making produced water suitable for industrial applications where drinking-water quality is not required, such as data center cooling. UT researchers evaluated integrated treatment processes to remove contaminants from this complex wastewater stream, demonstrating how treated produced water could ease pressure on traditional freshwater supplies while helping Texas meet its growing industrial water demands.

The findings complement a 2026 water-quality report from the Texas Produced Water Consortium at Texas Tech University, a research collaboration that brings together stakeholders from agriculture, environmental organizations, industry, public health and regulatory agencies to evaluate the technologies, economic viability and public health considerations of produced water treatment and use.

Consortium researchers evaluated water quality from pilot treatment projects conducted in 2024 and 2025, finding that advanced treatment can substantially reduce salinity and other contaminants in produced water. Treated samples also reportedly met Texas Commission on Environmental Quality drinking water limits for nearly all comparable water quality parameters.

“Texans deserve both water and energy abundance,” Christian added. “It’s become clear that some would rather halt Texas’ vital oil and gas production than apply this proven solution to Texas’ water needs, and that’s unfortunate. Treated produced water reuse has faced fierce opposition from the get-go, before the technology even had a chance to prove its worth. This research shows that treated produced water is safe for industrial use. Texas just needs big brother government to get out of the way.”

 

 

About the Railroad Commission:
Our mission is to serve Texas by our stewardship of natural resources and the environment, our concern for personal and community safety, and our support of enhanced development and economic vitality for the benefit of Texans. The Commission has a long and proud history of service to both Texas and to the nation, including more than 100 years regulating the oil and gas industry. The Commission also has jurisdiction over alternative fuels safety, natural gas utilities, surface mining and intrastate pipelines. Established in 1891, the Railroad Commission of Texas is the oldest regulatory agency in the state. To learn more, please visit https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/.

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