Hungry AIs
Dear Editor,
Thank you for the in-depth, well-researched article this week on what Central Texas is going through and can expect from the expansion of AI plants [“How Data Centers Are Eating Up Central Texas,” News, May 1]. Without water, WE can’t live and won’t be around to use AI!
Heidi Gibbons
Keep It Simple
Dear Editor,
I read the great article [“How Data Centers Are Eating Up Central Texas,” News, May 1] with interest. As an Austin resident since 1984 I have seen the changes to our environment. The data center construction hits us on two fronts: electricity and water. I do not think I have a good solution for the water usage. I am hopeful there are visionary solution manufacturers out there coming up with a more “closed system” to protect overusage and/or waste of our water. On the electrical side of the coin, why not require each new data center to also construct their own substation that will support them and their customers OFF-GRID from ERCOT. The data centers could then offset the cost through monthly fees charged back to their customers, leaving our local grid relatively unencumbered. I know it is not that simple but maybe it is. Thanks for the relevant content!
Ted Anthony
This article appears in May 8 • 2026.