Large-scale production of pipeline quality shale oil will involve the management of substantial quantities of water and wastewater. It has been estimated that 2200 to 9200 acre-feet of water will be required annually for a 50,000 barrel per day production complex. The quantity of water required depends on a number of factors but principally on the type of extraction process used, inclusion of a shale oil upgrading facility, and the need for irrigation water for revegetation of spent shale dumps.