County seeks answers on Project Jupiter after reports raise questions about water use
Doña Ana County commissioners are seeking clarification on Project Jupiter after reports raised concerns about water use and whether project plans have changed.
Commissioners direct staff to verify whether Santa Teresa data center plans differ from what was originally approved
Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News
LAS CRUCES - Doña Ana County commissioners have directed staff to seek clarification from developers of Project Jupiter after recent reports raised questions about the project’s planned water use and whether key details have changed.
The Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution Tuesday directing the county manager and two commissioners to verify whether the data center campus under construction in Santa Teresa is being built as originally described. Officials did not identify which commissioners would be tasked with the responsibility.
The county approved Industrial Revenue Bonds for the project in September 2025 based on plans that included closed-loop cooling systems designed to limit water use.
Damien Willis
However, recent reporting by the Santa Fe New Mexican raised concerns that the project’s power systems could require significantly more water than previously disclosed, with estimates approaching 1 million gallons per day.
Additional reporting by the Albuquerque Journal and Haussamen.com described growing concern among local officials and residents about whether those figures are accurate and whether the project aligns with earlier agreements.
County officials said they have not received formal communication from developers or tenants confirming any changes.
During the meeting, county officials said they needed to verify information reported publicly and determine whether project details remain consistent with agreements approved by the Board.
“Quite frankly, we just don’t have enough information,” County Attorney Cari Neill said during the meeting.
Commission Chair Manuel Sanchez said the Board’s priority is ensuring transparency, compliance with agreements and protection of community resources, particularly water.
The resolution directs county officials to:
- communicate with developers and tenants to verify recent public statements
- determine whether project details differ from what was presented to the Board
- identify options to reduce potential water impacts
- review any additional proposed changes
Officials will present their findings during a future public meeting.
All phases of the project remain subject to county approval through the building permit process, officials said.
Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.
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