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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 BigCountryHomepage (KTAB CBS / KRBC NBC) - 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 Abilene News
The escalating water crisis in Texas has significant implications for Abilene , where residents and businesses rely on a stable water supply. As the State Water Plan's estimated $174 billion price tag suggests, the costs of addressing this issue will be substantial, and it is likely that local taxpayers will be asked to contribute. The growing presence of data centers in the region, which consume large amounts of water, adds another layer of complexity to the problem. With national security concerns also at play, Abilene's leaders will need to balance the need for economic development with the imperative of ensuring a reliable water supply for the community. As the Texas legislature considers funding for water supply projects, Abilene's representatives will be key players in shaping the state's response to this crisis, and their decisions will have a direct impact on the city's future.
About this story
Original reporting by BigCountryHomepage (KTAB CBS / KRBC NBC) - News . Abilene 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 BigCountryHomepage (KTAB CBS / KRBC NBC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: BigCountryHomepage (KTAB CBS / KRBC NBC) - 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 BigCountryHomepage (KTAB CBS / KRBC NBC) - News and curated for Abilene News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Eden Shimanek and Adam Schwager at BigCountryHomepage (KTAB CBS / KRBC NBC) - News. To learn more about how Abilene News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Abilene News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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