Apparently, the gators are fine… so nothing to see here?
That is basically the takeaway from this article about possible data-center water withdrawals from Caddo Lake. But here is the part nobody seems eager to discuss:
Water reportedly flows over the Caddo Lake dam/weir roughly 80% of the time. In other words, huge amounts of water are already leaving the lake and heading toward the Red River.
So, the real question is not simply: “Will the data center hurt the alligators?”
The real questions are:
What happens during drought or low-water periods?
How much water could be retained instead of flowing over the weir?
And who is tracking the cumulative impact of future projects?
The Outdoor News is not anti-data center. We support responsible development. But judging the health of Caddo Lake by whether the gators survive is like judging your truck by whether the horn still works.
The public deserves a real water-use plan, real numbers and real accountability—not just reassurance that the alligators will be okay.
Millions of gallons per day? Who’s keeping score?
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.