Austin, TX, October 7, 2025
News Summary
The inaugural Texas Microsoft AI Cloud Summit will take place at the University of Texas in Austin, bringing together leaders to discuss the role of AI in enhancing public sector efficiency. The event will feature sessions on topics such as data modernization and compliance, along with addressing growing concerns regarding the environmental impact of water usage by Texas data centers amid ongoing drought conditions.
AUSTIN, TX – The inaugural Texas Microsoft AI Cloud Summit is set to take place on October 28, 2025, at the Commons Conference Center, University of Texas, located at 10100 Burnet Road, Building 137, Austin, TX 78758. This in-person event will bring together government leaders and Microsoft executives to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on public sector innovation and operational excellence.
The summit aims to provide attendees with direct connections to experts who are shaping government innovation across the nation. Participants can gain insights from State Executives and Microsoft thought leaders on how to leverage AI for enhanced efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness in government services. Dynamic sessions will cover various industry-focused topics, including Artificial Intelligence and Copilots, Azure and Application Development, Data Modernization, Power Platform, Security and Compliance, and real-world government innovation use cases.
While the summit promises to be an essential gathering for those interested in the future of AI in government, it arrives amid rising concerns regarding the environmental impact of data centers in Texas. The state’s data centers have faced increased scrutiny for their substantial water usage, especially during ongoing drought conditions. For instance, two data centers in San Antonio, owned by Microsoft and the Army Corps, have consumed 463 million gallons of water over the past two years.
Experts project that Texas data centers will consume an astonishing 49 billion gallons of water by 2025, an amount sufficient to supply millions of households. This rapid increase in water consumption coincides with Texas experiencing extended drought periods, with some regions facing dryness despite experiencing sporadic heavy rain and flooding. This has led to local authorities, particularly in San Antonio, implementing restrictions on water usage, such as limiting residents to weekly lawn watering under Stage 3 drought rules while data centers continue their extensive water consumption.
The Houston Advanced Research Center has estimated that water usage by Texas data centers may escalate to 399 billion gallons annually by 2030, representing approximately 6.6% of the state’s total water usage. Midsize data centers typically consume about 300,000 gallons daily, which is comparable to the water usage of 1,000 households, while large data centers can use as much as 4.5 million gallons each day.
Currently, there is no state legislation regulating water usage by Texas data centers, unlike electricity, where the Electric Reliability Council of Texas has the authority to manage power consumption during emergencies. Most data centers rely on evaporative cooling, resulting in significant water waste through evaporation. Furthermore, the San Antonio Water System restricts usage under Stage 3 conditions when the Edwards Aquifer’s levels fall below a specified threshold.
The Edwards Aquifer serves as the primary water source for San Antonio and is subject to federal regulations and a strong conservation ethic among residents and businesses. However, the Texas Water Development Board’s next State Water Plan will not be completed until 2027, leaving significant time for ongoing discussions about sustainable water usage in relation to the growing needs of data centers.
FAQ
What is the date and location of the Texas Microsoft AI Cloud Summit?
The inaugural Texas Microsoft AI Cloud Summit will take place on October 28, 2025, at the Commons Conference Center, University of Texas, located at 10100 Burnet Road, Building 137, Austin, TX 78758.
What topics will be discussed at the summit?
The summit will include dynamic, industry-focused sessions on topics such as Artificial Intelligence and Copilots, Azure and Application Development, Data Modernization, Power Platform, Security and Compliance, and real-world government innovation use cases.
What are the water consumption concerns regarding Texas data centers?
The Texas data center landscape has faced scrutiny for significant water usage amid ongoing drought conditions. For example, two data centers in San Antonio, owned by Microsoft and the Army Corps, have used 463 million gallons of water over the last two years.
How much water are Texas data centers projected to consume in the future?
Texas data centers are projected to consume 49 billion gallons of water in 2025, enough to supply millions of households, and it could soar to 399 billion gallons annually by 2030.
Is there any regulation on water usage by Texas data centers?
No state legislation currently regulates water usage by Texas data centers, in contrast to electricity management by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.
Key Features of the Texas Microsoft AI Cloud Summit
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | October 28, 2025 |
| Location | Commons Conference Center, University of Texas, Austin, TX |
| Focus Areas | AI in government, public sector innovation, operational excellence |
| Participants | Government leaders, Microsoft executives, State Executives |
| Projected Water Usage | 49 billion gallons by 2025; up to 399 billion gallons by 2030 |
| Water Usage Regulation | No current state legislation |
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Additional Resources
- News Source: Microsoft AI Cloud Summit
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- News Source: Newsweek
- Google Search: Texas Data Center Water
- News Source: New York Times
- Google Scholar: OpenAI Data Centers
- News Source: Cloud Wars
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Data Centers
- News Source: CBS News
- Google News: Data Center Projects
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