The Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 8, 2025, focused on water management strategies, particularly in relation to the growing presence of data centers in the area. The discussion highlighted the county's commitment to sustainable water use and the implementation of a reuse water system.

County officials addressed community concerns regarding water resources and the impact of data centers. They emphasized that the county has thoroughly vetted the water usage plans associated with these facilities. Ed, a key speaker, outlined the various sources of potable water in the county, which include the Nye Reservoir, Rappahannock River, and Motts Reservoir, as well as the Hunting Run Reservoir that supports the Rappahannock's flow.

The meeting clarified the distinction between potable water, which meets drinking standards, and wastewater, which is treated at local plants before being discharged into watersheds. The county is in the early stages of developing a reuse water system that will allow treated wastewater to be utilized for industrial purposes, including cooling data centers, irrigation, and fire flow.

Importantly, the Board has enacted ordinances prohibiting the use of potable water for the permanent cooling of data centers, a measure aimed at protecting the county's drinking water resources. This initiative positions Spotsylvania as a leader in sustainable water management practices among localities.

The discussion also touched on the competitive nature of the data center industry, where companies often keep their water usage data confidential. To manage future water capacity effectively, the county has established water services agreements that prevent any single data center from monopolizing water resources. These agreements include provisions to reallocate unused capacity, ensuring equitable access for all users.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's proactive approach to balancing industrial growth with environmental stewardship, particularly in the context of water resource management.