Residents raise concerns about proposed Nueces County data center amid ongoing water crisis

Residents of Nueces County, Texas, are voicing significant concerns regarding a proposed data center project by Hut 8, particularly its potential impact on the region's already strained water supply amidst a severe drought. These concerns were highlighted during a community water information session hosted by the City of Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni stated that city leaders were surprised by the data center announcement but noted the facility is designed to use a limited amount of city water, primarily for restroom facilities, relying on an external water source and a closed-loop system for its main operations. Hut 8 confirmed in a statement that each phase of the project is estimated to consume approximately 10,000 gallons per day, which they compare to a small commercial facility. However, Corpus Christi District 4 Councilwoman Kaylynn Paxson indicated that the city's drought contingency plan includes new restrictions that could limit water access for commercial entities, including the data center, if drought conditions persist and the facility's water needs exceed its current estimates. Residents at the meeting also emphasized the critical need for cooperation between city and county governments to manage the water crisis effectively.