local
State lawmakers demand answers on Texas data centers’ water use
By Jasmine Lotts at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· June 24, 2026
· 4 min read
AUSTIN, Texas (KWTX) - State lawmakers are demanding answers about how much water Texas data centers are actually using, and why the state still doesn’t have a clear number.The Texas House Committee on Natural Resources met Tuesday in Austin to take up the issue, hearing from Texans, the Texas Wa...
Key takeaway Cody Harris (R-District 8) opened the hearing by calling out companies by name that were invited to testify, but were no-shows.
Why this matters in The Midland
The surge in data centers across Texas, including the Permian Basin area, has significant implications for local water resources. As the state struggles to track water usage by these facilities, Midland County residents are left wondering how this rapid growth will affect their own access to this vital resource. With more than half of Texas counties lacking groundwater conservation districts, the lack of oversight is particularly concerning for areas like Midland, where groundwater is a primary source of water. The fact that many data centers are refusing to disclose their water usage or engage with local communities only fuels concerns about the long-term sustainability of this growth. As state lawmakers continue to push for greater transparency, Midland residents should be paying close attention to how this issue unfolds, given the potential impact on the region's water security and economic development.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? AUSTIN, Texas (KWTX) - State lawmakers are demanding answers about how much water Texas data centers are actually using, and why the state still doesn’t have a clear number.The Texas House Committee on Natural Resources met Tuesday in Austin to take up the issue, hearing from Texans, the Texas Wa...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jasmine Lotts at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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