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Board asks DEQ to analyze data-center water demand and regional groundwater impacts
Summary
A board member asked DEQ to analyze whether data-center water demand contributes to groundwater depletion; DEQ said staff are engaged in General Assembly-directed studies and suggested waiting until spring for more complete data, noting most data centers use surface water purchased from municipalities.
During the meeting a board member raised concerns about groundwater depletion reported by agricultural communities and asked DEQ to provide analysis on whether data-center water demand is contributing to wells running dry.
Scott Cameron said he has heard farmer concerns and requested that DEQ present findings at a future meeting on data-center water demand and implications for regional groundwater. Chair and staff members responded that DEQ is involved in General Assembly-directed studies and regional watershed planning and suggested waiting until spring when more data are expected; staff also said most data centers typically use surface water purchased from municipalities, not groundwater, though a few exceptions exist.
Next steps: Board requested DEQ include a data-center water-demand analysis in a future meeting agenda once state studies and regional planning work produce usable data.
