San Antonio, February 10, 2026
The rapid growth of data centers in San Antonio has sparked significant concerns over the city’s water and power resources, along with potential impacts on infrastructure. With nearly 50 data centers completed or planned, the city faces challenges regarding water and energy consumption, prompting the City Council to engage in discussions aimed at regulating these developments for sustainable growth.
San Antonio’s Data Center Expansion Raises Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns
San Antonio, Texas – The rapid expansion of data centers in San Antonio has prompted significant concerns regarding the city’s water and power resources, as well as its overall infrastructure.
Rapid Growth of Data Centers
San Antonio has experienced a surge in data center developments, with numerous facilities spanning millions of square feet being constructed in and around the city. This growth is driven by increasing demand for digital infrastructure, particularly from cloud and artificial intelligence providers. As of early 2026, nearly 50 data centers have been completed or are planned in the San Antonio region, reflecting the city’s appeal as a hub for digital infrastructure.
Environmental and Infrastructure Concerns
The expansion has raised several important issues:
- Water Usage: Data centers consume substantial amounts of water for cooling purposes. In 2025, data centers in Texas were projected to use 49 billion gallons of water, with consumption expected to increase ninefold by 2030.
- Power Consumption: The energy demands of these facilities are significant. For instance, a mid-sized data center can consume 300,000 gallons of water daily, comparable to the daily water usage of 1,000 households.
- Infrastructure Strain: The rapid development of data centers has outpaced public policy efforts, leading to concerns about the strain on San Antonio’s water and power resources, as well as the city’s planning and zoning regulations.
City Council’s Response
In response to these concerns, San Antonio’s City Council has initiated discussions to better understand and regulate the impact of data centers on the city’s resources and infrastructure. Proposed steps include compiling a comprehensive list of applicable regulations, engaging stakeholders, and determining necessary code changes.
Looking Ahead
As San Antonio continues to attract data center investments, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and infrastructure capacity remains a critical challenge. Ongoing discussions and policy developments aim to address these issues and ensure responsible growth in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is driving the rapid expansion of data centers in San Antonio?
The expansion is driven by increasing demand for digital infrastructure, particularly from cloud and artificial intelligence providers. As of early 2026, nearly 50 data centers have been completed or are planned in the San Antonio region, reflecting the city’s appeal as a hub for digital infrastructure.
What environmental concerns are associated with data centers in San Antonio?
Data centers consume substantial amounts of water for cooling purposes. In 2025, data centers in Texas were projected to use 49 billion gallons of water, with consumption expected to increase ninefold by 2030.
How is the San Antonio City Council addressing these concerns?
The City Council has initiated discussions to better understand and regulate the impact of data centers on the city’s resources and infrastructure. Proposed steps include compiling a comprehensive list of applicable regulations, engaging stakeholders, and determining necessary code changes.
Key Features of San Antonio’s Data Center Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Data Centers | Nearly 50 completed or planned in the San Antonio region as of early 2026. |
| Water Consumption | Projected to use 49 billion gallons in 2025, with consumption expected to increase ninefold by 2030. |
| Power Consumption | A mid-sized data center can consume 300,000 gallons of water daily, comparable to the daily water usage of 1,000 households. |
| City Council’s Response | Initiated discussions to compile regulations, engage stakeholders, and determine necessary code changes. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
