LPGCD Board Adopts Resolution Addressing Data Center Water Demands

At its August 19 meeting, the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors adopted a resolution addressing concerns about the potential water demands of data centers and other concentrated water-use developments.

Data centers can require significant amounts of water for cooling and operations, while also contributing to indirect water use through the electricity needed to power these facilities. The resolution states the District's opposition to data center developments proposing high-volume use of potable groundwater within the District or hydraulically connected areas unless a sustainable water supply and appropriate monitoring, conservation, mitigation, and financial safeguards are demonstrated.

The resolution also calls on the Governor of Texas to convene a special legislative session and urges the Texas Legislature to provide stronger and clearer protections related to large-scale data center water demands. The District is asking state leaders to address several key areas, including:

• Groundwater availability and cumulative impacts
• Greater transparency and reporting of water use
• Use of reclaimed, recycled, non-potable, or brackish water when feasible
• Protection and mitigation for existing water users
• Coordination when groundwater impacts cross district boundaries
• Consideration of both the direct and indirect water demands associated with data centers
• Evaluation of lower-water technologies and cooling methods

Through this resolution, LPGCD is advocating for stronger tools to protect the groundwater resources that residents, landowners, agriculture, municipalities, public water suppliers, and businesses throughout Bastrop and Lee Counties depend on.

Read the full resolution to learn more about the District's position and recommendations to state leaders: Resolution Regarding Data Centers (PDF).

Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program Updates

We have made two important updates to the Lost Pines GCD Rainwater Harvesting Rebate Program to give property owners more flexibility and clarify requirements for potable systems.

Apply More Than Once, Up to $5,000

Previously, properties were limited to one rebate application. Under the updated program, applicants may submit additional applications for the same property until they reach the $5,000 maximum rebate per property.

For example, if you previously received a $2,000 rebate, you may apply for additional eligible rainwater storage and receive up to another $3,000 in rebates.

New Requirement for Potable Systems

Applicants installing a rainwater harvesting system that will provide potable water must communicate with their municipal water supplier and comply with the supplier’s applicable backflow prevention requirements.

These updates provide greater flexibility for residents who want to expand their rainwater harvesting systems while helping potable systems meet local water supplier requirements.

Interested in applying? Remember, applicants must attend a Rainwater Harvesting 101 workshop and receive approval before installing their system. Learn more by calling (512) 360-5088 or going to the Rainwater Harvesting Webpage.

Submit Your Forms Online

Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District is making it easier to submit well paperwork. Forms 100 and 300 are now available for online submission!

Instead of printing, completing, and returning a paper form, well owners and applicants can complete and submit these forms directly through our website.

Now available online:

• Form 100: Well Drilling Application Form
• Form 300: Well Registration and Completion Form

We encourage the public to use our online forms whenever possible. Online submission is quick, convenient, and helps streamline the review process.

Ready to submit? To complete your form online visit: LPGCD Forms Webpage.