‘Has Been Treated as Junk:’ New Ruling Shows Value of Byproduct

Produced water, historically treated as waste, has gained value, sparking ownership disputes. The court ruled produced water is a byproduct of oil and gas operations, with ownership defaulting to the lessee unless reserved by the surface owner.

       

Produced water, historically treated as waste, has gained value, sparking ownership disputes. The court ruled produced water is a byproduct of oil and gas operations, with ownership defaulting to the lessee unless reserved by the surface owner.