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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Identifying regional aquifers, soil units, well logs, and historic site data.
Installing monitoring wells, advancing borings, and completing groundwater sampling.
Slug tests and pumping tests to understand aquifer performance and sustainable yield.
Predictive tools to assess long-term movement of groundwater or existing impacts.
Testing for metals, VOCs, SVOCs, nitrates, PFAS, and other compounds of concern.
Working directly with permitting authorities to meet deadlines and technical requirements.
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.