West Missoula resident urges commissioners to fund comprehensive aquifer study, warns of data-center water use
Summary
Peggy Miller, a West Missoula herbalist, told the county commissioners a comprehensive USGS-style aquifer study is needed to find vulnerable spots and urged officials to review potential water use by data centers, which she said can consume water equivalent to 50,000–100,000 homes.
Peggy Miller, a West Missoula resident who identified herself as a herbalist and herb grower, urged the Missoula County Board of County Commissioners during public comment to pursue a comprehensive study of local aquifers and groundwater vulnerability.
"We need a comprehensive water study," Miller said, noting she had spoken to USGS and local water providers and urging the county to contact Rodney Caldwell for technical assistance. She said county planning has not fully accounted for how development can deplete aquifers and asked the commissioners to include aggregate volumes and vulnerable locations in any study.
Miller also raised concerns about large commercial data centers and their local water demand. "They use enough water for 50,000 to 100,000 homes," she said, calling for caution about siting and water-supply impacts. She suggested desalination and energy-self-sufficient strategies where applicable and said she would also bring the issue to city council.
The remarks were delivered during the public-comment period; Miller provided a packet to commissioners outlining study elements she believes are essential, including estimates of total aquifer yield and mapping of shallow or structurally vulnerable sections. The board did not take formal action on the request during the meeting.
