As the demand for digital infrastructure rises, data centers are becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors in the built environment. With that growth comes an increased responsibility to develop these sites safely, in compliance, and with long term sustainability.

Why Groundwater Studies Matter for Data Centers

Data centers are large-scale, high-consumption facilities that require reliable utility access, stable geotechnical conditions, and minimal environmental risk. Groundwater assessments allow developers to:

1. Assess Site Feasibility

Before the first shovel breaks ground, engineers need to understand groundwater depth, flow direction, and seasonal fluctuations. These factors influence:

• Foundation design

• Cooling system placement

• Utility routing

• Construction dewatering needs

• Long-term site stability

A thorough groundwater investigation reduces costly surprises and improves project predictability.

2. Manage Environmental Risk

Data centers must protect surrounding ecosystems and nearby water supplies. Groundwater studies help identify:

• Potential contamination impacts

• Proximity to sensitive receptors

• Migration pathways for spills or leaks

• Existing plume conditions on or near the site

This allows teams to design mitigation strategies proactively, ensuring environmental stewardship from day one.

3. Support Regulatory Compliance

Local and state agencies—such as TCEQ, NMED, and various municipal planning departments—often require groundwater data as part of:

• Environmental impact assessments

• Stormwater management plans

• Permitting packages

• Site development reviews

Accurate hydrogeologic data keeps projects on schedule and avoids delays during permitting.

4. Optimize Design for Water Use and Cooling

Many modern data centers incorporate groundwater into cooling or process-water systems. Understanding aquifer characteristics helps determine:

• Sustainable pumping rates

• Long-term water availability

• Impacts on nearby users

• Required treatment levels

This data informs responsible design choices that support both performance and sustainability goals.

What a Talon/LPE Groundwater Study Includes

Talon/LPE has supported major data center developments across Texas and the greater Southwest. Our approach is built on scientific accuracy, regulatory understanding, and real-world constructability.

A typical groundwater study may include:

✔ Desktop review & geologic mapping

Identifying regional aquifers, soil units, well logs, and historic site data.

✔ Hydrogeologic field investigation

Installing monitoring wells, advancing borings, and completing groundwater sampling.

✔ Aquifer testing

Slug tests and pumping tests to understand aquifer performance and sustainable yield.

✔ Flow modeling & contaminant transport analysis

Predictive tools to assess long-term movement of groundwater or existing impacts.

✔ Water quality evaluation

Testing for metals, VOCs, SVOCs, nitrates, PFAS, and other compounds of concern.

✔ Regulatory coordination

Working directly with permitting authorities to meet deadlines and technical requirements.

Why Developers Choose Talon/LPE

Data center projects move fast—and so do we. Our clients rely on Talon/LPE because:

• We understand the pace of data center development.

• Our team includes seasoned hydrogeologists, scientists, drillers, and technicians across multiple states.

• We provide clear, defensible data decision-makers can trust.

• We specialize in complex groundwater conditions, including high-impact industrial sites.