Colorado Produced Water Consortium discusses centralized treatment facilities and community protections

The Colorado Produced Water Consortium made significant strides in its mission to enhance the reuse and recycling of produced water during its meeting on August 8, 2025. The consortium, which brings together leaders from various sectors, is focused on finding innovative solutions to reduce freshwater usage in oil and gas operations while ensuring the protection of disproportionately impacted communities.

Chairperson Hope Messner opened the meeting by expressing gratitude for the dedication and collaborative spirit of the consortium members. She emphasized the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives, which she believes sets this group apart from traditional approaches to problem-solving. Messner highlighted the consortium's role as a national leader in developing strategies for produced water management, underscoring the need for consensus on complex issues.

A key topic of discussion was the potential establishment of centralized produced water treatment facilities. The consortium is tasked with exploring whether such facilities can be implemented while maintaining robust protections for vulnerable communities. Director Dalton has been instrumental in compiling regulatory information and drafting recommendations that reflect the consortium's collective insights. Her work aims to ensure that any proposed solutions prioritize community safety and environmental integrity.

In addition to these discussions, the meeting included updates on ongoing research initiatives and public comments from community members. The consortium received written feedback from various stakeholders, indicating a strong interest in the issues at hand. The engagement from the public underscores the importance of transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.

As the consortium continues its work, the focus remains on fostering collaboration and finding common ground among diverse interests. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to shape the future of water management in Colorado, with implications for both environmental sustainability and community health. The consortium's commitment to innovative solutions and inclusive dialogue positions it as a model for similar initiatives across the country.