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Texas leaders are asking data centers how much water they use. Most aren’t responding
By Alejandra Martinez, Texas Tribune at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
Data centers use water to cool their massive arrays of computer servers. A state agency sent out a survey to figure out how much, but less than a third of the companies responded.
Key takeaway A state agency sent out a survey to figure out how much, but less than a third of the companies responded.
Why this matters in The Bellaire
In Bellaire , where residents are accustomed to the hum of industry and technology, the lack of transparency from data centers about their water usage is concerning. As a community within the Houston area, Bellaire is no stranger to the demands of a growing population and economy on its resources. With data centers sprouting up to support the region's thriving tech sector, understanding their environmental footprint is crucial. The fact that most data centers are not responding to the state agency's survey suggests a lack of accountability, which could have implications for local water management and conservation efforts. As the city of Bellaire continues to balance growth with sustainability, it will be important to monitor the response from data centers and advocate for greater transparency about their operations, particularly when it comes to something as vital as water usage.
About this story
Original reporting by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . The Bellaire 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 Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Data centers use water to cool their massive arrays of computer servers. A state agency sent out a survey to figure out how much, but less than a third of the companies responded.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) and curated for The Bellaire readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alejandra Martinez, Texas Tribune at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS). To learn more about how The Bellaire selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Bellaire, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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