Data centers are thirsty for Texas’ water, but state planners don’t know how much they will need

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A significant expansion of data centers in Texas is raising concerns about the state's water supply, which is already under strain. Experts warn that these facilities, some as large as Central Park, could consume millions of gallons of water annually, exacerbating the state's ongoing water crisis. Currently, data centers represent a small fraction of Texas's total water use, but projections indicate that by 2030, their consumption could rise to 2.7% of the state's total, equivalent to the water needs of 1.3 million households. This situation is particularly alarming in arid regions where local communities may struggle to meet the increased demand.

In response to these challenges, researchers are exploring innovative cooling technologies that reduce water consumption in data centers. For instance, a team at UT-Arlington is developing a system that uses a recirculating chemical refrigerant instead of water to cool servers. While some states are implementing regulations to track data center water usage, Texas currently lacks comprehensive reporting requirements, making it difficult for planners to anticipate future water needs. As the demand for data centers continues to grow, finding sustainable solutions for cooling and water management will be crucial to balancing economic growth with environmental conservation.