Resource Abstract

Recent Developments and Utilization of Produced Water in Bakken Well Stimulations

Date Published: 2/26/2025
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Resource Abstract

This presentation was delivered to BPOP members on February 26, 2025. It covered the use of produced water in hydraulic fracturing operations as a sustainable alternative to freshwater resources, aiming to reduce completion costs while alleviating pressure on disposal reservoirs. The primary benefits of improved sustainability and financial performance have renewed operator interest. Since 2019, this practice has evolved significantly in the Bakken, alongside industry advancements and legislative efforts in several states regarding produced water and its beneficial use. This EERC webinar provided an update on industry practices in the Bakken and recent governmental initiatives to encourage the reuse of produced water. Information was gathered from industry correspondence, publications, and corporate reporting to estimate recent produced water use in North Dakota and explore new methods to increase its adoption. Currently, 40% of operators in North Dakota with active completion programs are reusing produced water, with 20% utilizing significant volumes at reuse rates between 5% and 28%. North Dakota producers are replacing approximately 5% of fresh water with produced water in completion operations, compared to reuse rates exceeding 50% in the Permian Basin. While produced water utilization in the Williston Basin has room to grow, availability and deliverability remain significant limitations. Although the industry's freshwater demand is substantially smaller than that of irrigation and municipal use, expanding alternative water sources could help mitigate future increases in hydraulic fracturing water consumption.

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