Residents warn data centers could strain water, power in Lubbock County

Public commenters told the Lubbock County Commissioners Court on Aug. 10 that proposed large data centers risked private well water and local electricity reliability. Vicky Johnson, who said she has lived near Interstate 27 for 20 years, told the court a proposed facility nearby could make her water undrinkable and render her property worthless.

"If I lose all my water... my property will be completely worthless after paying for it," Vicky Johnson said, asking the court to consider local impacts before projects proceed. Joe Ashley, another resident, called for a moratorium to give officials time to assess consequences, saying, "We need to have a moratorium and think about all the possibilities of the damage it could do." Stephanie Smith, citing High Plains Water District figures, argued deeper groundwater levels and potential contamination from industrial cooling and flushing practices could impose costs on farmers, ranchers and wildlife.

The remarks came during the public-comment period and were followed later by a separate commission agenda item and a broad resolution (nonbinding) asking for greater transparency from large industrial developments. Speakers left data and documents with the court for further review.

The court did not adopt a moratorium; commissioners later debated and approved a separate, nonbinding resolution asking projects to disclose water and energy use and to consider bonds for clean-up and other protections. The county indicated it will continue to coordinate with state authorities on regulatory authority and enforcement.