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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 Westlake News
The plea from Texas water officials for increased funding to address the state's worsening water crisis has significant implications for West Lake Hills residents, who rely on a stable and secure water supply. As the State Water Plan's estimated $174 billion price tag suggests, the costs of inaction will be substantial, and local taxpayers may be asked to contribute to the solution. The growing presence of data centers in the area, which consume large amounts of water, adds a layer of complexity to the issue, particularly given the national security concerns associated with these facilities. As lawmakers consider the funding request, West Lake Hills residents should be aware of how the decision may impact their water bills and the overall quality of life in the community. The city's own water management plans and infrastructure may also need to be reassessed in light of the state's worsening water crisis.
About this story
Original reporting by KXAN (NBC Austin) - Local News . Westlake News 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 Westlake News 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 Westlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Westlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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