Dozens of Atascosa County residents packed into the county justice center in Jourdanton on Tuesday, pressing officials for answers after a county notice flagged a possible data-center project. Neighbors warned that the complex could siphon groundwater, pave over farmland and strain local services. County leaders replied that they are still gathering information and that no contracts have been signed.
During the public information meeting, attendees zeroed in on water, land use and transparency, according to WOAI. The county is home to more than 48,000 people, per U.S. Census estimates, and residents said wells and irrigation systems are already stretched thin. Several speakers demanded that the county disclose any communications with potential developers and commit to a public review process before any agreement moves forward.
County says no contracts, will keep residents informed
On June 15 the county issued a press release stating that Atascosa County "has not been contacted by the company associated with the proposed project" and that officials cannot confirm many details at this point, according to Atascosa County. In the release, County Judge Weldon P. Cude said staff are "paying close attention" and will keep gathering information and sharing updates as they come in. That statement, along with the county's public-notice postings, helped set the stage for Tuesday's information session.
State officials weigh in
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller told the crowd, "We don't have any extra water. Texas is out of water," and urged Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session to "put some guardrails" on data-center expansion, as reported by WOAI. Miller framed the dispute as a fight over both water and farmland loss, echoing local fears. His remarks have added political muscle to a debate that has jumped from a county meeting room to conversations at the state capitol.
Why water is the sticking point
Data centers rely on large volumes of water for cooling and, depending on their size and technology, can draw millions of gallons a year, a reality that has fueled community pushback across Texas. The state is in the middle of a data-center surge, with hundreds of projects proposed, and counties often lack zoning authority over unincorporated land, according to The Texas Tribune. A University of Texas white paper warns that in some scenarios data centers could account for roughly 3% to 9% of Texas' water use by 2040, giving local officials strong reason to insist on clear water-supply plans, per UT Austin.
What comes next
County officials say they are compiling residents' questions and will post more information and briefings on the public-notices page, including the June press release referenced at the meeting. Those notices appear on the Atascosa County website at co.atascosa.tx.us/public-notices. Residents told officials they plan to keep showing up at meetings, file public-records requests and push for written commitments on water sourcing before any permits or contracts advance. For now the project is still described as "potential," and county leaders say they will update the public as verifiable facts emerge.
With state lawmakers and regulators beginning to scrutinize where and how data centers are sited, Atascosa County's standoff is likely to be one of many local flashpoints. How county leaders and state officials respond could determine whether rural Texas becomes a go-to destination for future facilities or a long-running battleground over scarce water and farmland.
