AI Policy & Regulation
6d ago
Data centers in rural U.S. face scrutiny over unauthorized water use amid drought concerns
May 13, 2026
AI Summary
Recent incidents in Georgia and Arizona highlight unauthorized water consumption by data centers in areas experiencing water shortages. As data center water usage is projected to rise significantly, local communities are increasingly affected, prompting some cities to impose bans on new data center developments.
- In May 2023, two data centers in Arizona and Georgia were found to have taken public water without authorization, exacerbating local water stress. Residents reported low water pressure, leading to regulatory investigations.
- U.S. data centers consumed 17.4 billion gallons of water in 2023, with projections of usage rising to between 38 and 73 billion gallons by 2028. Texas data centers alone could use up to 399 billion gallons by 2030, equivalent to significant reductions in Lake Mead's water levels.
- In Fayette County, Georgia, a data center developed by Quality Technology Services (QTS) consumed over 29 million gallons of water without proper billing, leading to retroactive charges but no fines. The county's water director cited the need for partnership due to QTS being a major customer.
- In Tucson, Arizona, a construction site for a data center was found to have used 650,000 gallons of water for dust control without authorization, prompting city officials to shut off the water supply and demand replacement.
- More than 50 cities across the U.S. have enacted bans or moratoria on new data center construction due to concerns over water usage.
- Data centers are increasingly being located outside municipal boundaries to avoid regulations on water supply, raising concerns about long-term water sustainability in drought-affected regions.
data centerswater resourcesrural communitiespolicy impactsustainability