In 2026, a Kansas company planned a data center beside Cedar Creek Lake that could draw up to 5 million gallons a day. By July, it was gone. This is how Henderson County did it, and why the fight isn't over.
Compiled by Grail Systems from news reports and the Governor's office. Checked Oct 31, 2026. Corrections welcome.
More than 700 acres near the reservoir, in the middle of a developed subdivision with hundreds of homes. Up to 5 million gallons a day from Cedar Creek Lake by year five, with a 12-year buildout. The lake supplies most of Fort Worth's drinking water.
Volunteers formed Save Cedar Creek Lake. Thousands signed a petition demanding the project be canceled and asking lawmakers for strong data center rules.
Henderson County joined other counties in a resolution asking the Legislature for power to regulate data centers.
The West Cedar Creek Municipal Utility District suspended new "high-intensity" water service commitments. Data center development in the county halted.
He called for closed-loop cooling, yearly water and power reporting, grid connections that lower household bills, and an end to unnecessary incentives.
The company told county officials the project did not meet the Governor's directives or community expectations.
County Commissioner Wendy Spivey has warned that the landowners are still looking to sell or use the land, and another data center could come. Watch the appraisal district for a new buyer, state TDLR building filings, and water district agendas.
A county may not be able to say no, but the utility selling the water often can. Ask whether your water district, city or utility will pause large new commitments.
Cedar Creek Lake serves Fort Worth. When a lake or aquifer feeds a bigger city, that city is an ally.
The project fell when it couldn't meet the state's own standard. See The Deep East Texas Standard.
A volunteer group, a petition and packed meetings, all within months.
Office of the Governor press release (July 23, 2026); Texas Tribune and KSAT (July 23, 2026); Fort Worth Report (July 1, 2026); WFAA; ABC13; KLTV and KETK as reported.