Advocates warn Texas’ 2027 water plan overlooks data center strain
Texas is drafting its 2027 state water plan, but water protection advocates, like the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, are concerned it omits the significant water usage of data centers. Researchers estimate data centers could account for up to 9% of the state's water use by 2040, potentially surpassing the oil and gas industry. Advocates are urging the state to include data center impacts in the plan.
The Texas Water Development Board is finalizing its 2027 state water plan, a draft of which was released in April, outlining thousands of projects with a $174 billion price tag to address future water shortages. The deadline for public input on this draft is Friday, May 29.
However, water protection advocates, including Mike Clifford from the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, express deep concern that the plan fails to account for the substantial water consumption of data centers. Clifford argues that omitting data center impacts renders the plan incomplete and destined to fall short, especially considering Texas is home to 461 data centers and more are expected.
He emphasizes the need for the plan to consider future projects rather than relying solely on historical data from a period when data centers were less prevalent. Researchers at the University of Texas estimate that data centers could consume up to 9% of the state's water by 2040, potentially exceeding the water usage of the oil and gas industry. Clifford suggests that if including data center impacts increases the plan's cost, these companies should bear the expense rather than burdening residents, particularly in Austin.