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)
· 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 The San Antonio
In San Antonio , where summer heat waves are a regular occurrence, the strain on power grids and air quality from data centers is a concern that resonates deeply. As the city continues to grow and attract new businesses, including tech companies, the impact of data centers on local communities must be carefully considered. The experience of Eileen Castle and her neighborhood in Lowell, Massachusetts, serves as a cautionary tale for San Antonio's own diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, where environmental and health risks are already a concern. With the city's emphasis on economic development and job creation, it's crucial to balance these goals with the need to protect public health and the environment, particularly in low-income and working-class communities that may be disproportionately affected by the presence of data centers. As San Antonio navigates its own path forward, it must prioritize transparency and community engagement in the planning and development process to ensure that the benefits of growth are shared equitably and the risks are mitigated.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Matt O'Brien And Kaitlyn Huamani, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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