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County candidate warns of large water demand if AI data centers come to El Paso County
Summary
A candidate for County Commissioner warned the board that AI data centers can consume up to 5 million gallons of water per day and urged commissioners to consider water scarcity before approving such facilities within county jurisdiction.
Gavin Rainey, a declared candidate for County Commissioner District 1, used his public‑comment time to raise concerns about the local consequences of large AI data centers. "AI data centers can use up to 5 million gallons of water daily," Rainey said, and he described them as a "massive drain on public utilities" that would be difficult to support amid drought‑like conditions.
Rainey said he was not aware of a current plan to site such a facility in El Paso County but urged commissioners to "listen to the will of the people" and consider community impacts on water supply and public utilities before any proposal comes forward. His remarks were framed as preemptive advocacy rather than a response to a specific project; the transcript does not record staff or board follow‑up during this meeting.
Next steps: Rainey asked commissioners to consider water demand and utility capacity in future land‑use reviews. The board did not record a response or staff presentation on AI data centers during the meeting.
