Weekly Engineering Live Show

Data center approved: how do you secure water and wastewater service before site work?

For data center developers, developers and builders, and utilities and municipalities

Aired

The Weekly Engineering Live Show, recorded live on October 21, 2026. Watch the replay above.

What we covered

A Texas data center site with no city main often still has water: rainwater from the roof, groundwater, treated site wastewater, a nearby sewer interceptor or hauled water. Each source runs through a different agency, so check all of them before the cooling design defaults to air cooling and more electricity.

  • Quick answer
  • Why does the water search come before the cooling decision?
  • Is your site inside someone's certificated service area?
  • What other water sources can a Texas data center use?
  • How reliable is each source in a drought?
  • Which approvals does each option trigger?

Read the full recap