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Texas water officials seek more funding as crisis worsens, costs soar: 'This is not going to stop'
By Eden Shimanek and Adam Schwager at KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
Texas water officials are urging lawmakers to provide more funding for water supply projects as costs skyrocket, with the State Water Plan estimating a $174 billion price tag, and data centers increasing water usage, raising national security concerns.
Why this matters in The Barton Creek
The call for increased funding by Texas water officials has significant implications for the Barton Creek community, where residents and businesses rely on a stable and secure water supply. As the State Water Plan's estimated $174 billion price tag suggests, the costs of addressing the water crisis will be substantial, and it is likely that local taxpayers will be asked to contribute to the effort. The growing presence of data centers in the area, which are major water users, adds an extra layer of complexity to the issue, as their operations not only strain local resources but also raise concerns about national security. As lawmakers consider the funding request, Barton Creek residents should pay close attention to how the proposed projects and allocations will impact their community, including potential effects on water rates, conservation efforts, and the overall quality of life.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News . The Barton Creek surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Texas water officials are urging lawmakers to provide more funding for water supply projects as costs skyrocket, with the State Water Plan estimating a $174 billion price tag, and data centers increasing water usage, raising national security concerns.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News and curated for The Barton Creek readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Eden Shimanek and Adam Schwager at KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News. To learn more about how The Barton Creek selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Barton Creek, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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