Tesla is nearing completion of a lithium refinery near Corpus Christi, Texas, which may require up to 8 million gallons of water daily—much higher than initial estimates. This poses challenges due to the area's severe drought and the existing strain on water resources. Tesla does not yet have a finalized water contract, creating tension between the need for industrial expansion and local water scarcity concerns. Despite these issues, the refinery is projected to provide 250 jobs with significant salaries, incentivizing local support, although officials and residents remain wary of potential environmental impacts.