Counties race to regulate groundwater as data centers and water demand surge
Texas communities are moving to create groundwater conservation districts as data center development raises concerns about aquifer depletion and the lack of limits on groundwater pumping. Nearly a quarter of the state’s planned, operating or under-construction data centers are in areas without such districts, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis.
Texas communities are accelerating efforts to establish groundwater conservation districts as data center development increases pressure on aquifers. The Houston Chronicle found that nearly 100 operating or under-construction data centers and 61 planned facilities are located in areas without groundwater districts, where landowners generally can pump water without limits or disclosure.
State Rep. Cody Harris, who oversees groundwater regulation, said interest in forming districts has surged. In Houston County, officials petitioned the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to create a district after opposition grew to Kyle Bass’ plan to drill wells and export much of the area’s available groundwater; the agency has not yet ruled. Officials in Williamson County and a coalition of 17 northeast Texas counties are also pursuing new groundwater oversight, while lawmakers consider revisiting Texas’ rule of capture.