Will Meta data center use more water than El Paso's current top users?
A new Meta data center in El Paso, Texas, is drawing public concern over its anticipated water consumption in the drought-stricken region. Although El Paso Water forecasts show Meta's usage would not rank among the city's top 10, citizens remain worried about water scarcity, environmental impacts, and financial implications.
The construction of a large Meta data center in Northeast El Paso, Texas, has ignited significant public concern regarding water consumption in the drought-affected region. Despite El Paso Water's projections indicating the Meta facility would consume an average of 500,000 gallons daily – peaking at 1.5 million gallons during extreme heat, totaling 182.5 million gallons annually – the utility suggests this would not place it among the city's top 10 water users. Even at higher estimates, it would only marginally enter the top 10, replacing other entities like YISD.
In early June, the El Paso City Council voted against renegotiating Meta's contract, a decision influenced by public outcries centered on water scarcity. Beyond water, citizens have voiced concerns about potential noise and air pollution, localized temperature increases, and the financial burden residents might bear for the multi-billion-dollar corporation.
For context, the city's current top 10 water users collectively consumed over 14.5 billion gallons in 2025, accounting for 42% of total usage. Major consumers include El Paso Electric, which uses nearly 7 billion gallons annually primarily for cooling power plants, and government entities like the Lower Valley Water District Authority and the City of El Paso, which utilize water for public services and infrastructure.