parks
Heat adds to strains on areas with data centers, raising the temperature on AI debates
By Matt O'Brien And Kaitlyn Huamani, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
Eileen Castle's swimming pool, one of the only ones for blocks around, was once a refuge for neighborhood children on hot summer days.But even as temperatures soared this week, Castle, 82, said she won't be filling the pool — not with the data center behind her house buzzing with the sound of its...
Key takeaway “I think about the air quality, the water, what effects it has on the kids in the area,” she said on her front stoop as children whirred past on bicycles.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
In Terrell Hills , the strain of data centers on local resources and air quality is a concern that resonates deeply, particularly in neighborhoods with limited green spaces and recreational areas. As the city's residents seek refuge from the heat in local parks, the impact of data centers on surrounding communities takes on a new urgency. The fact that data centers require significant resources to cope with heat waves, including energy-intensive cooling systems and backup diesel generators, raises questions about the long-term sustainability of these facilities in our area. As the San Antonio region continues to grow and attract new businesses, including those in the tech industry, it's crucial to consider the potential environmental and health implications of data centers on local neighborhoods, and to ensure that their development is balanced with the needs and well-being of nearby residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Eileen Castle's swimming pool, one of the only ones for blocks around, was once a refuge for neighborhood children on hot summer days.But even as temperatures soared this week, Castle, 82, said she won't be filling the pool — not with the data center behind her house buzzing with the sound of its...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matt O'Brien And Kaitlyn Huamani, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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