Polk County seeks stronger oversight for prospective data centers amid water concerns

Polk County, Texas, leaders, including Judge Sydney Murphy, have proactively approved a resolution to enhance local oversight of prospective data center developments. This action comes amidst growing concerns from residents and businesses regarding the potential impact on the county's water resources. The resolution mandates that data center companies disclose their plans transparently before seeking permits to construct new facilities. The county also advocates for the state to empower counties with a more significant role in data center development decisions. While there are currently no data center proposals in Polk County, officials like Judge Murphy emphasize the need to protect taxpayers and local water providers. Gary Ashmore from the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District highlighted that ground water pumping in Polk and San Jacinto counties is projected to reach 4.5 million gallons annually by the end of 2025, stressing that their low-population area lacks the industrial water usage capacity for large-scale data center demands. Ashmore further warned that the region could become a target for moving water to rapidly growing areas like Conroe and Houston, which face severe water shortages, even considering interstate transfers from Louisiana.