Recent report shows data centers may negatively impact Texas’ water supply
News ClipHouston Public Media·Katy, Harris County, TX·3/2/2026
A report from the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) found that the growing number of data centers in Texas are using a significant amount of water, raising concerns about the impact on the state's water supply. The report calls for more transparency from data center operators about their water usage. While some facilities use water-intensive cooling systems, not all data centers rely on water. The report aims to inform a statewide water strategy as data center development continues in Texas.
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Texas is home to a growing number of data centers, with over 70 additional sites under development. However, a new report suggests these facilities may negatively impact the state's water supply.
The report, authored by Margaret Cook of the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), estimates that Texas uses 8 billion gallons of water annually for data centers. Cook emphasizes the need for transparency, as data centers often operate under non-disclosure agreements, making it difficult for communities to understand their true water usage.
The Data Center Coalition (DCC) disputes the HARC report, with its vice president Dan Diorio stating that data centers are among the most efficient water users compared to other industries. Diorio acknowledges the need for competitive and proprietary information to be protected, but says the DCC plans to participate in an upcoming survey by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to provide more transparency.