According to this report, produced water from oil and gas operations is handled as a waste product. The quality of produced water varies significantly based on the geochemistry of the producing formation, the type of hydrocarbon produced and the characteristics of the producing well. If produced water meets appropriate water quality criteria, it may be used beneficially for purposes such as irrigation, livestock watering, aquifer storage, stream flow augmentation and municipal and industrial uses. Treatment may be required to improve the quality of produced water so that it can be put to beneficial use.