Do all Permian SWD wells need static BHP monitoring?

RRC’s Permian disposal monitoring notices apply the initial and periodic static BHP requirement to new or amended disposal permits in the greater Permian Basin. Existing permits without that condition may differ — read your permit and the current RRC notice.

How often must SWD bottomhole pressure be reported?

Calculated and dip-in methods are typically obtained and reported quarterly. Permanent probe methods require daily measurements reported monthly. Always follow the method and cadence written into your permit.

Where is Permian SWD BHP data reported?

Operators commonly use the TexNet / BEG injection volume and pressure reporting tools for the required BHP and injection data, and still file annual Form H-10 with the RRC.

Permian SWD Bottomhole Pressure Monitoring: RRC Static BHP Requirements for New and Amended Disposal Permits

Key Takeaway

Railroad Commission of Texas notices for the greater Permian Basin require new or amended saltwater disposal (SWD) permits to collect and report initial and periodic static bottomhole pressure (BHP). Operators may use calculated, dip-in, or permanent probe methods — with quarterly or daily/monthly reporting depending on the method — often via TexNet tools plus Form H-10.

Quick Answer

For new or amended saltwater disposal permits in the greater Permian Basin, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) requires initial and periodic static bottomhole pressure (BHP) measurements. Allowed methods include calculated BHP, dip-in BHP surveys, and permanent downhole probes with surface readout. Cadence depends on method (commonly quarterly for calculated/dip-in; daily measurement with monthly reporting for permanent probes). Data are typically submitted through Bureau of Economic Geology / TexNet injection reporting tools, and operators still file annual Form H-10 as required under 16 TAC §§3.9 / 3.46.

The three BHP methods (field view)

Calculated BHP: Pump known-density fluid, shut in ≥24 hours, use surface pressure + hydrostatic column corrected to the shallowest open disposal interval (or fluid-level tools if the well will not stand full). Report on the quarterly cadence the notice specifies.
Dip-in survey: Shut in ≥24 hours, run a pressure device with gradient stops (≤1,000 ft intervals) to within 500 ft of top perf; report PSIG, MD, TVD, and BHP corrected to top of disposal interval — quarterly.
Permanent BHP probe: Install before first injection; correct/extrapolate to top of disposal interval; obtain daily values and report monthly.

Where automation fits

Permanent probes feed SCADA/PLC with daily BHP and alarm on abnormal buildup.
Surface injection pressure and daily volumes already belong in disposal SCADA — align tags with TexNet fields.
Calculated/dip-in methods still need scheduling, permit workflows, and document control even when not continuous.

See also SWD facility automation and the automation cost guide.

Operator pitfalls

Treating BHP as a one-time permit checkbox instead of a recurring obligation
Reporting surface pressure as if it were static BHP
Missing TexNet uploads while assuming H-10 alone is enough
Starting injection before a required permanent probe is online

NFM integrates permanent BHP and injection telemetry so Permian SWD permits stay reportable without manual scavenger hunts.

Frequently Asked Questions