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Parker County residents press commissioners on potential data centers; court takes no action
Summary
Commissioners heard a technical briefing and extensive public comment on potential data centers — residents raised water, noise and rural‑character concerns while a consultant and groundwater director described power, water and footprint tradeoffs. The court took no action pending further information.
Commissioners held a lengthy discussion and public comment session after Commissioner Holt raised constituent concerns about potential data‑center developments in Parker County. Holt told the court he had asked for the item so the county could “be proactive to every extent we can to address this situation strategically and intelligently.”
Chris, an energy consultant who briefed the court, differentiated modern data centers from Bitcoin‑mining operations and described the technical constraints that shape where centers can locate. He said a typical modern data center footprint is “about a 250,000 square foot building. So think about that. That's 20 acres, you know, maybe,” and noted that many large developments are now campus‑scale with multiple buildings and dedicated substations. On water use he said, “if it is a an air cooled situation, then the water need is only for bathrooms and break rooms.” He added that many proposed projects must pass load studies with ERCOT and utilities before they can be serviced.
Several residents urged the court to oppose data centers in Parker County. Tom Pace told the court, “I'm just opposed to them completely,” citing water shortages and a desire to prioritize residential and agricultural land. Nancy Faust warned that industrial plants change the character of surrounding land: “When these when the plants go in, that makes the land around that go industrial.” Amanda Garner, a precinct official, said she was formally against locating data centers in her precinct. The county’s groundwater representative noted many projects are campus‑scale and “they do use quite a bit of water,” urging careful review of any specific applications.
Commissioners acknowledged the limits of county authority — counties cannot zone — but discussed tools the county can use (permits, water allocations, tax incentives and working with power companies). After discussion the court moved to take no action on the item at this time, leaving the issue open for future staff follow‑up and constituent outreach.
