Data center development is increasing demand for supporting infrastructure in rapidly growing markets, making water availability and system capacity important considerations for owners and communities. QTS plans to invest $250 million over the next decade in Texas water infrastructure, conservation and community-focused water projects as the data center operator expands its development activity in the state.
The investment program will begin with replacement of the aging water tower serving Turkey, Texas. QTS is working with the city on the infrastructure project, which is intended to address a longstanding local water-system need.
QTS also plans to invest $15 million over 10 years through a partnership with Bonneville Environmental Foundation. The funding will support water replenishment and conservation projects across Texas, including leak detection, habitat restoration and improvements to irrigation efficiency.
The broader program will involve coordination with local governments, utilities, conservation organizations and community stakeholders to identify projects focused on water availability, quality and system efficiency.
Alongside infrastructure investment, QTS plans to deploy its Water-Free Cooling Design at new Texas data centers.
The system uses a closed-loop configuration that is initially charged with water and then continuously recirculates that water for cooling. Unlike evaporative cooling systems, the design does not require ongoing water withdrawals for cooling once operational.
For data center owners and developers, cooling technology is an increasingly important component of project planning, particularly in regions where water resources are under pressure. Reducing operational water consumption can also affect the infrastructure requirements associated with large-scale data center campuses.
QTS' planned investment links data center development with improvements to surrounding water infrastructure. The program includes both capital improvements to local systems and conservation initiatives intended to reduce water losses and improve resource efficiency.
The Turkey water tower replacement also involves Lancium, which owns the Hall County Clean Campus and provides electrical and civil infrastructure supporting QTS construction at the site.
For developers and public infrastructure stakeholders, the initiative highlights the need to consider utility capacity alongside data center construction. Water systems, power infrastructure and other community services can become key components of development planning when large technology facilities are added to growing markets.
QTS' $250 million commitment creates a long-term water infrastructure program tied to data center development in Texas. The combination of local system improvements, conservation funding and water-efficient cooling addresses both community infrastructure and operational requirements.
For data center developers, owners and contractors, water availability and cooling-system selection are increasingly relevant to project planning. For local governments and utilities, investment in existing water infrastructure can support communities while accommodating new development.
Source: QTS.
