Texas leaders criticized for delaying action on data center water use and regulation
Texas leaders are facing criticism for delaying action until 2027 on regulating data center water usage across the state, despite concerns about water depletion and environmental strain. An opinion piece highlights that most counties lack the authority to regulate water use or impose requirements like noise setbacks. It points to a low response rate from data centers to a state water-use survey as evidence of the problem.
Texas leaders are facing significant criticism for their delayed response to the environmental and resource impacts of data center development across the state. An opinion piece published in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram specifically highlights concerns about excessive water usage by data centers, with current plans for regulatory action not expected until 2027.
The article references a previous story about a proposed data center in Henderson County that sought substantial water from a Tarrant Regional Water District-owned lake. It emphasizes that such situations are common across Texas, largely because most counties lack groundwater conservation districts and the authority to regulate water use. The author argues that counties should be empowered to mandate closed-loop cooling systems and establish noise setbacks for these facilities.
Testimony presented to the Texas House Natural Resources Committee on June 23 revealed a concerning trend: only 17% of data centers surveyed in 2025 responded to the state's required water-use survey, a decrease from 33% the previous year. One lawmaker described the response rate as "pretty pathetic." The opinion piece questions whether elected officials are allowing artificial intelligence lobbyists to exploit Texans and their water resources due to this inaction, calling for immediate local authority to address these issues before more projects begin construction.
While acknowledging Tarrant County is not currently experiencing drought, the article stresses the increasing demand on the water supply and the necessity of water conservation efforts.