Protect Our Water. Stop the Data Centers.
The rapid, large-scale data center boom in Texas threatens our already stressed water supply, strained energy grid, and the surrounding communities. There are currently over 400 data centers operating in Texas. The fight against these projects is happening in San Marcos right now, where the proposed Maberry/CyrusOne project has become a focal point for local activism, and we are not backing down. There are more data centers heading to Central Texas, and we need to organize to protect our water, land, and quality of life. The Data Center Action Coalition is a an amazing group of local San Marcos citizens who have gathered resources for people to get involved right away. You do not have to live in San Marcos to join the fight!
Why Data Centers Are a Bad Fit in Central Texas
Why Data Centers Are a Bad Fit in Central Texas
- Extreme Thirst: A single large data center can use hundreds of thousands of gallons of water per day for cooling. The total water consumption for these four projects would be over 44 million gallons/day
- Drought Contradiction: Approving new, water-guzzling industrial users during a declared drought undermines emergency conservation orders and shortens the lifespan of our limited supply.
- Spring-flows: Excessive pumping during drought directly threatens the flow of the San Marcos River, home to endangered species found nowhere else on Earth and one of the most beloved swimming and recreation areas in Central Texas.
- Contamination: Chemicals (like PFAs), coolants, and large paved areas increase the risk of polluted runoff into our vulnerable aquifer and the river.
- No Rules Exist: There is no comprehensive state or federal regulation for data center water use in Texas. We are seeing a dangerous number of developers come in to take advantage of this vulnerable early state that lacks guardrails.
- Higher Bills: Utility costs rise for residents to subsidize the massive water and electricity demand of these facilities. Over the past five years, areas with new data centers have seen a 267% increase in electrical bills.
- Breaks the Plan These proposals conflict with the San Marcos Comprehensive Plan and regional drought contingency plans designed to protect our future
- A Bad Deal: They create very few local jobs while locking the city into long-term water and energy commitments.
- Neighborhoods Suffer: 24/7 operations lead to constant noise and light pollution for nearby residents.
Here's How to Get Involved
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1. Sign the Petition
Your voice is critical. Join the growing coalition of residents saying NO to irresponsible data center development. Tell our elected officials to protect our water and pause all data center approvals. This petition is a call to action from residents across Central Texas counties and water districts affected by proposed data center expansion. It urges local officials and governing bodies to protect communities, water resources, and long-term land use plans from the unregulated growth of data centers, which currently operate without sufficient oversight. The petition demands that leaders uphold existing commitments to regional water and land use plans, and it calls for an indefinite halt on all data center permits, rezonings, and project approvals in the area. It also pushes for stronger community-led protections, transparency in development decisions, and preservation of undeveloped land for uses that reflect local values and responsible stewardship. Add your voice now! |
2. Speak Up at San Marcos City Council
The Maberry/CyrusOne data center rezoning request has faced significant public opposition through multiple rounds of review, with two major upcoming City Council meetings now potentially determining its fate. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A SAN MARCOS RESIDENT TO OPPOSE THESE DATA CENTERS. Here is a quick timeline of the CyrusOne zoning case thus far:
The Maberry/CyrusOne data center rezoning request has faced significant public opposition through multiple rounds of review, with two major upcoming City Council meetings now potentially determining its fate. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A SAN MARCOS RESIDENT TO OPPOSE THESE DATA CENTERS. Here is a quick timeline of the CyrusOne zoning case thus far:
- March 2024: Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) denies the initial rezoning request after strong public outcry.
- August 2024: City Council considers overturning P&Z. It fails with only 5 of 6 required supermajority votes, resulting in a non-approval.
- January 2025: The developer re-applies. P&Z reverses its previous decision and approves the rezoning.
- Current Status: The matter is now before the City Council for a Public Hearing (February 17) and final voting (March 3)
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Important Upcoming Dates:
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The spring-fed San Marcos River is experiencing severe drought conditions.
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3. Write to the Water Utility Company
One of the most direct and impactful ways to protect our local water supply is to engage directly with the officials responsible for its management. The Crystal Clear Special Utility District (CCSUD) is the linchpin in this fight. As the water provider for much of the affected area, they have the legal authority and duty to safeguard our shared water resources, especially during severe drought. The Data Center Action Coalition campaign linked below focuses on holding them accountable to their own policies and the physical reality of our limited water supply. There are templates, contact information, and more details provided to make your letter count.
One of the most direct and impactful ways to protect our local water supply is to engage directly with the officials responsible for its management. The Crystal Clear Special Utility District (CCSUD) is the linchpin in this fight. As the water provider for much of the affected area, they have the legal authority and duty to safeguard our shared water resources, especially during severe drought. The Data Center Action Coalition campaign linked below focuses on holding them accountable to their own policies and the physical reality of our limited water supply. There are templates, contact information, and more details provided to make your letter count.
Stop the drain before it starts. The proliferation of data centers in Central Texas represents a direct threat to our water security during a historic drought. Your informed and sustained action is the only effective counter to the lack of policies and informed leaders in place. To stay current with decisive meetings, legal developments, and strategic actions, follow @data.center.action.coalition and @saveoursprings on Instagram.
Share theses resources to multiply our reach. There is no single right action. Thank you for joining the fight and inspiring others!
Share theses resources to multiply our reach. There is no single right action. Thank you for joining the fight and inspiring others!
SOS Interns enjoy an end-of-summer snorkeling adventure on the San Marcos River
