Data center used 30 million gallons of water without initially paying
Data center used 30 million gallons of water without initially paying
Publish Date: 2026-05-11 16:37:00
Source Domain: arstechnica.com
- Over 120 organizations cautioned Congress against hurried data center development emphasizing the equal severity of rising water consumption as electricity bills.
- Data centers, particularly in drought-prone areas, can strain local water supplies essential for drinking, agriculture, and ecosystems because of their large water usage and the use of toxic chemicals in closed-loop systems.
- Advocacy groups suggested comprehensive environmental reviews as a preventative measure and oppose any legislation that would expedite data center construction.
- Some previous attempts to protect water resources have faced resistance, exemplified by a failed attempt of a hyperscale data center in Utah to transfer substantial water resources.
- The Salt Lake Tribune warned that neglecting residents’ concerns regarding water, electric bills, air quality, and quality of life could severely damage public trust in officials.
