"PREFACE The disposal of water produced with crude oil has been an increasingly important problem to the oil industry over the past years. Generally@ large volumes of water are produced from many oil fields before abandonment@ and the disposal of this water is an important economic burden to the oil operator. This economic burden will continue to increase in the future as more regulatory bodies of the various oil-producing states formulate more stringent rules and regulations controlling the disposal of water produced with crude oil. Many operators now consider the cost of water disposal as an integral part in the development and operating expense of producing crude oil. Industry-wise@ the type@ characteristics@ and degree of mineralization of water produced with crude oil?? usually referred to as ""salt water""?? vary over a very wide range. The term ""salt water"" as used herein includes any and all water produced with crude oil. The objective of this manual is to outline@ with appropriate discussion@ the recognized methods@ systems@ and practices of salt-water disposal by subsurface injection. It has been planned especially for those men who are associated directly with the design@ installation@ and?? in particular?? the operation and maintenance of subsurface salt-water disposal facilities. It is not contemplated that the manual will be considered a technical treatise@ but rather as a handbook reference. The preparation of this manual is indicative of the change in attitude that has come to recognize salt-water disposal as a serious problem and of the vast improvement in salt-water disposal technology gained by industry experience over the past 30 years. It also presumes that disposal into underground formations is the most positive method of salt-water disposal except in areas where surface disposal does not create a threat of pollution. It will have more than served its purpose if it assists the many field men in keeping operating and maintenance costs of salt-water disposal facilities at a minimum."