Potential Effect of Produced Water Discharge on Surface Water: Lower Atascosa River Study

This study investigates the potential impact of an approved produced water discharge permit in the Atascosa River. Water samples were collected from a test site on the Atascosa River and analyzed for key water quality parameters such as chloride, total dissolved solids, sodium, calcium, strontium and other ions. These results were compared to historical data from the local river authority to assess any significant changes in water quality following the permit's approval in April 2024. Statistical analyses, including averages and t-tests, were conducted to determine whether the current ion concentrations differed significantly from historical levels. While an increase in concentrations was observed, it remains difficult to directly attribute these changes to the produced water discharge, as other environmental factors may also influence the results. This research contributes to understanding the potential ecological effects of produced water discharge, though further study is needed to confirm causality.