New UT Austin study finds data centers could raise water use by 2040

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As data centers continue to pop up across Texas, so do questions about water use and its impact on people every day.

A new study from researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that data centers could account for just under 10% of water use across the state over the next 10 to 15 years.

A UT Austin and COMPASS white paper study found that as of September of last year, there were a total of 484 data centers in Texas, including those operating, under construction, and planned, with Houston listed as a major hub.

Researchers also told ABC13 that data centers currently account for only 1% of the state's water use, but that by 2040, that number could rise to 3% to 9%.

Dr. Ning Lin, COMPASS principal investigator and chief economist of the Bureau of Economic Geology at UT Austin, said that through their research, they found awareness and communication can help communities plan as the facilities pop up.

"We believe that communities as well, you know, as concerns very valid. And this really requires mapping infrastructure expansion, like data centers against water stress. It should be something that is part of the integrated planning for the data centers," Dr. Lin said.

Experts add that if there's anything you don't need AI for, it's best to strike a balance to avoid wasting water.

"This is my opinion. Slowly, we will see some increase in the price of water as well, because of the consumers, that amount of infrastructure, and the additional supply demand gap that will affect how much we pay for water as well," University of Houston professor and energy researcher, Harish Krishnamoorthy, said.

He also said the impact on water could be vast.

"Let's say if somebody uses AI for about 3 hours, you consume an effective 1 gallon of water, you know, so just imagine thousands of people or millions of people using AI," Krishnamoorthy said.