New Mexico · 20.6.8 NMAC
New Mexico’s produced water rule, 20.6.8 NMAC, prohibits discharging untreated or treated produced water to surface water or groundwater. Reuse beyond the oilfield is allowed only through permitted pilot projects of up to five years, and each pilot carries recurring characterization and reporting requirements.
NELAP/TNI and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited · A2LA certificate 7797.01 · nonpotable water
What a pilot project must do
| Requirement | 20.6.8.400 NMAC |
|---|---|
| Discharge | No discharge of untreated or treated produced water to surface water or groundwater |
| Pilot term | A pilot project permit may not exceed five years |
| Characterization | State the concentration of water contaminants in the untreated produced water used in the pilot |
| Handling | Plans for safe handling, characterization, and proper disposal of produced water |
| Monitoring | A monitoring program and devices to detect discharges |
| Reporting | Monthly reports of the volume treated and water-quality data for all liquid streams |
How DIG supports a pilot
DIG’s analytes include:
- Major ions: calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chloride, sulfate
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Metals, including lithium
- Bromide
- Organics: BTEX, gasoline range organics, diesel range organics
- Water isotopes: δ²H and δ¹⁸O
Methods and accreditation status for each analysis are listed on the Analyses and Methods page.
Choosing the lab early helps. A lab named in the pilot application can align the characterization plan, analyte list, and monthly reporting format before sampling begins.
Sources
- New Mexico Administrative Code, Title 20: Environmental Protection (State Records Center and Archives). Navigate to: Chapter 6, Part 8 (20.6.8 NMAC, produced water reuse).
Ready to sample in New Mexico?
Request kits and a quote, or download the chain-of-custody form. A qualified scientist can review your sampling plan before you go to the field.
