Join other water defenders to send a letter or speak at a hearing THIS WEEK on rule changes regarding toxic wastewater from oil and gas drilling, referred to as produced water.

The New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) is holding a hearing NOW on In the Matter of Proposed New Rule 20.6.8 NMAC – Ground and Surface Water Protection – Supplemental Requirements for Water Reuse.

Why this is Important:

For every barrel of oil that is produced from a well, an average of 3-5 barrels of toxic wastewater, known as produced water, are also produced. There is a lack of credible scientific data showing that this reused produced water is safe for uses off the oilfield. We urge the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) to prohibit discharge of reused produced water to surface or groundwater or and to remove language that allows industrial projects off the oilfield that waste could leak and contaminate land and water.

Send a letter TODAY!! IT IS CRITICAL FOR YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD. Please take action by signing this letter to the New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission to strongly urge 1) that the prohibition on discharge to surface and groundwater will be retained and 2) that other problematic and overly broad language on use for agriculture and industrial projects will be removed. Thank you for your consideration. ENTER YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION ON THE RIGHT SIDE - THEN CLICK 'START WRITING'!

You can also sign up to give public comment in person or remotely:

IN-PERSON LOCATION: NM STATE CAPITAL, (411 South Capitol St.), Room 322

VIRTUAL COMMENT LINK on Webex: Bit.ly/WQCC23-84-Hearing

If you plan to give public comment in person or remotely, send an email to Pamela Jones at the WQCC at pamela.jones@env.nm.gov.