EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso City Council on Monday reviewed a presentation from El Paso Water addressing water infrastructure planning for Northeast El Paso and projected water use at Meta’s data center site amid community concerns about the project’s impact.

WS 2 – Water Supply and Infrastructure for Northeast FinalDownload

Since Meta announced plans to build the data center, residents have continued to raise concerns about the project’s impact on nearby neighborhoods. KTSM previously reported that some residents who live near the site have already reported changes. They reported increased noise, dust, and bright lights from ongoing construction.

Residents near Meta data center say construction already impacting neighborhoods

During the presentation, El Paso Water President and CEO John Balliew told city council members that the utility’s long-term planning indicates the city has sufficient water resources to meet future demand.

WATCH PRESENTATION BELOW:

City Representative Alejandra Chavez asked Balliew whether El Paso’s water supply plan accounted for the next 50 years and whether the city had enough water to meet that timeline.

“Absolutely,” Balliew responded.

Chavez also asked whether the city’s drinking water would remain uncontaminated as a result of the project.

“It will not be contaminated,” Balliew said.

She then asked whether the data center’s projected water use was lower than what had been anticipated in the city’s 2009 master plan.

“Correct,” Balliew replied.

Balliew said infrastructure master plans developed in the early 2000s anticipated growth in Northeast El Paso, including the area where the Meta data center is now under construction. He said the facility’s projected water demand remains below the levels envisioned in the 2009 planning documents.

Balliew also told council members that El Paso Water has a dedicated team to manage industrial wastewater, including wastewater generated by data centers. He said the utility continues to diversify the city’s water portfolio through projects such as expanding desalination capacity, developing the Pure Water Center, and increasing aquifer storage and recovery to strengthen long-term water reliability.

He added that while residential customers remain the utility’s highest priority, state law requires El Paso Water to provide equal service to all customer classes. Balliew said the utility also has emergency response plans in place to manage potential water supply disruptions.

“The deal has been done. We have to live with it. You’re gonna have to live with these consequences too.” El Pasoan Lisa Turner told council during public comment.

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