Page 8 - BSB_9_25

Part 1BFy Lou Dugganive years... 2030. Think about howfast the last 5 years have gone by.Well, in just 5 years, life... as you know it today... is going to change. Water and electricity shortages are going to change it.Currently, Texas hosts 279 operational data centers—ranging from campuses by Meta, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Digital Realty, QTS, and Equinix to dozens of crypto- mining sites. Combined, these facilities consume over 400 million gallons of water annually, primarily for evaporative cooling, while consuming roughly 781 Megawatts (MW) of electricity from the Texas grid. As Texas is set to welcome a wave of new mega-campuses and expansions, serious concerns arise regarding water resources and our electric grid.Texas residents are already facing mounting water shortages from drought and population growth. In a severe‐drought scenario, by 2030, the Texas State Water Plan forecasts a 4.7-million-acre‐foot annual shortfall. Regions are already enforcing outdoor‐watering limits and construction moratoria as reservoirs and aquifers dip below critical levels.Meanwhile, data centers alone are projected to consume 49 billion gallons of water in 2025 and 399 billion gallons byTexas... You’ve Got Five Years2030, about 6.6 percent of statewide use. No current law caps their water withdrawals, only disclosure requirements exist for facilities over 5 MW. Realistically, only 10–20 percent of new Texas data‐center builds may adopt significant water‐reuse by 2030, unless regulatory incentives and funding accelerate sharply.Electricity demand from these centers has helped drive the Texas grid’s projected peak load increase from 85 GW in 2024 to as much as 218 GW by 2031 (a 256% growth in 7 years), with data centers accounting for a growing share of that growth. ERCOT has already approved more than 5,496 MW of new large-use centers with an additional 56,458 MW pending, suggesting data- center demand could double large-user load by 2030.Our RegionAs Texas braces for growing water and energy challenges by 2030, our region— Comal, Bexar, and Kendall Counties— stands at a crossroads. San Antonio’s energy demand is soaring, and the Edwards Aquifer is under stress. Canyon Lake is under severe demand pressure, and without more rain, water restrictions will be tightening again. With new developments on hold due to water concerns Comal, Bexar, and Kendall Counties urgently need more reliable waterservice, fewer restrictions, and room for responsible growth.However, with smart investments and policy changes by our leaders, we can protect our communities, keep costs manageable, and preserve the Hill Country way of life. Statewide actions that could help: 1) Boosting water reuse from just 1.5% to 15–25% would ease pressure on lakes and aquifers. 2) Offering tax credits for rainwater harvesting and stormwater capture would help. 3) Allowing water rights to be traded so surplus water could flow where it is needed. 4) Exploring desalination and pipeline projects could diversify water sources. 5) Requiring backup power for large users like data centers would help reduce grid strain. 6) Expanding transmission lines could bring clean wind and solar energy into the city. 7) Rolling out smart meters and time-of-use pricing could reward off-peak energy use. 8) Increasing water efficiency in new buildings would protect aquifer levels. 9) Creating reuse systems would help towns with infrastructure needs. 10) Requiring drought- tolerant landscaping in new developments to reduce demand. 11) Upgrading aging water systems with expanded state funding is needed. 12) Building regional wastewater facilities could replace failing septic systems. The Bottom Line—5 YearsBy pursuing a coordinated package of infrastructure builds, regulatory updates, and market incentives, Texas could materially improve upon the baseline 2030 projections—easing pressure on family budgets, helping businesses stay competitive, and safeguarding property values. By working together—local leaders, residents, and state policymakers—we can build a future that is more secure, affordable, and sustainable.5 Years... These changes are not just about infrastructure, they are about protecting our homes, businesses, and natural heritage.Looking For An Affordable Way To Direct Mail?The Cost of Postage has gone up! We offer the best way to target your back yard!Our “Good News”publications goes to:• Helotes• Stone Oak• Bulverde & Spring BranchWhat you get!• Advertising to over 48,000 homes and businesses.• A customize ad at no additional cost.• Packages available with your business feature article & video!We Got You... Call NOW to get your space!(210) 548-6448www.highlightspub.comThe Rains Came; Kiwanis RespondedSOu b m i t t e d b y G l e n d a R a s t o f T e x a s H i l l C o u n t r y K i w a n i s C l u bn July 4, 2025, almost record rains fell on small towns in Central Texas. The river levels rose todevastating levels, leaving damage and loss. In true Texas fashion, organizations rushed in to help the residents and businesses affected by the flooding.What started as a seemingly simple inquiry from the T-O District Disaster Committee, turned into so much more. In true Kiwanis fashion, the Texas Hill Country Kiwanis Club (THCK) stepped up offering emergency, disaster hygiene backpacks (provided by the District) to those in need.The initial delivery of backpacks was made on July 6 with a second and third distribution occurring a few days later.At the request of T-O personnel, the THCK Club began collecting financial contributions. Donations came in, not just from our friends and family and colleagues, but from around the T-O District as well as the country. The outpouring of support resulted in almost $40,000 being collected that is going vetted organizations directly involved in flood relief efforts. So far, funds have purchased medical supplies, utility wagons for a Volunteer Fire Department, supported an organization providing meals for “victims, volunteers, and First Responders”, helped rent heavy equipment to help with cleanup, helped repair damageto a structure at a camp for Special Needs campers, and helped provide financial support to individuals trying to recover their lives.But there is more work to be done. Your donations will allow us to help even more of our fellow Texans as they begin the long and backbreaking process of trying to put their lives together. Tax-deductible contributions can be made to our club Foundation through the following Square account http://bit.ly/45Xya07 or this QR code.8www.bsbhighlights.comSeptember 2025