The Colorado Department of Natural Resources has announced progress in the state’s approach to produced water policy, highlighting recent milestones achieved by the Colorado Produced Water Consortium. The Consortium, created through legislation, recently submitted its final report in a series of nine to the Colorado Legislature. Alongside an updated strategic plan and new rules from the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), these developments are seen as keeping Colorado at the forefront of policy on produced water reuse.
Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, said, “I want to thank the members of the Colorado Produced Water Consortium for their collaborative approach to meeting the requirements of legislation to research the use and reuse of produced water and for their key role informing the adoption of new produced water rules at ECMC.”
Colorado’s ECMC has adopted what it describes as first-in-the-nation rules requiring oil and gas operators to increase their use of recycled produced water. The rules were shaped by data provided by the Consortium. Implementation will be reviewed annually with a focus on reducing fresh water usage in oil and gas operations.
John Messner, Consortium Chair and ECMC Commissioner, stated, “It is special to see a group of individuals with such a diverse set of backgrounds and expertise be able to work together in a way that values and listens to each other’s voices and perspectives. This approach to the work of the Colorado Produced Water Consortium, guided by the leadership of Director Hope Dalton and supported by staff from a number of state agencies, created an ideal platform for the volume and quality of work that has been accomplished to date. I am proud to have been a part of the effort and look forward to what the Consortium accomplishes as it moves forward into the future.”
The Consortium brings together stakeholders from government, industry, public health organizations, environmental groups, and academia. Its updated strategic plan emphasizes transparency, science-based analysis, collaboration, and ongoing community input.
Michelina Paulek from The Energy Council commented on this process: “This monumental accomplishment was only possible because of the tireless effort and collaboration of people from diverse backgrounds—scientists, regulators, operators, and community leaders—each bringing their unique perspective to build a policy that is balanced, informed, and future-focused.”
Thomas Borch from Colorado State University noted that mandatory use of recycled produced water could help limit fresh water demand while encouraging more sustainable management strategies across other states in arid regions.
Irene Andress with Sierra Club added: “As Colorado continues to face drought conditions, good water stewardship is important. Recycling produced water in oil and gas operations helps manage this essential resource. The Consortium has worked to bring together our collective insights into identifying challenges and proposing equitable ways to save fresh water. As we begin to obtain more data, we look forward to providing guidance for industry and state authorities to ensure rapid progress towards protecting water quality and quantity for Colorado.”
Rick McCurdy from Select Water Solutions reflected on participation within this initiative: “I am very honored to be a member of the Colorado Produced Water Consortium and proud of the group’s accomplishments since its inception. This consortium demonstrates the strength of a diverse, passionate, and knowledgeable community who can come together and respectfully discuss and debate various topics…”
Looking ahead at next steps for implementation oversight under new ECMC rules regarding reused produced water—and continued engagement across communities—Dr. Barbara Vasquez with Western Colorado Alliance said: “After years of hard work by community members…it is an important step for Colorado…Much work remains…We need to build a solid foundation on which to continue our work…”
The state’s efforts are intended not only as local solutions but also as examples for broader innovation around responsible resource management.
The formation statute HB23-1242 established this consortium within DNR; its membership includes those with expertise relevant both technically (oil/gas operations) as well as environmentally or socially (community perspectives/environmental justice). Its main goal remains reducing fresh-water use while increasing recycling rates within oil/gas activities statewide.
