Texas Data Centers Criticized for Water Reporting; Public Opposition High
Data centers in Texas are largely failing to report their water usage for state surveys, impeding crucial water planning efforts. This has prompted calls for stricter regulations requiring accurate water-use reporting from these facilities. Additionally, polling indicates that over half of Texans oppose data center construction in their communities.
In a letter to the editor published by the Austin American-Statesman, Cameron Dodd, political director of IBEW Local Union 520 in Austin, highlighted concerns regarding data center water usage and public sentiment in Texas. Dodd cited testimony from the Texas Water Development Board at a state House Committee on Natural Resources hearing, revealing that only 17% of hundreds of data centers surveyed for 2025 water use responded. The letter criticized the meager $500 fine for non-compliance, stating it's "pocket change for these massive corporations" and severely hampers state water planning.
Dodd advocated for robust regulations to ensure accurate water-use reporting from data centers, arguing that the state should not "be asking nicely" for data crucial to water supply management. Furthermore, the letter pointed to University of Texas polling data indicating that 56% of Texans oppose data center construction in their communities, suggesting that opposition to these developments is becoming a bipartisan issue. Dodd emphasized the public's right to understand the impact of data centers on Texas communities and resources.