Thirsty Data: The Hidden Water and Energy Costs of Texas’ Data Center Boom – Houston Advanced Research Center : Houston Advanced Research Center

Texas is experiencing a data center boom that significantly impacts its water and energy resources. Data centers currently consume over 25 billion gallons of water annually, with projections suggesting this could rise dramatically by 2030. The state's water planning does not account for this growth, leaving communities unprepared for the increasing demand. Recommendations include improving data transparency, incorporating industrial forecasts into water planning, and incentivizing efficient technologies. Without proactive measures, Texas risks facing severe resource strain as it balances economic growth with environmental sustainability.