Resident warns data centers threaten water and privacy; county schedules workshop for June 17

A Fallon resident told the Churchill County Board of Commissioners he is deeply concerned about the rapid growth of data centers and their potential effects on water supplies, utility rates and privacy, and he urged the county to hold open hearings and thoroughly investigate proposals.

Cam Guthrie, speaking during public comment, said developers often do not answer key questions from communities and argued the county should require more transparency before projects proceed. He cited a technical speaker and a local environmental advocate who told him data centers use "massive amounts of water" and expressed concern about closed‑loop cooling effluent and local wastewater systems’ capacity.

County staff said a public workshop about data centers and the county’s stance will take place June 17 at 1:00 p.m.; the chair said information will be posted in the newspaper and online.

Why it matters: Churchill County is in an arid state, and public commenters warned that large data facilities could place pressure on municipal and private wells, wastewater systems and local utilities. Commenters also raised privacy and economic concerns — arguing that some large centers bring limited local jobs while consuming significant resources.

What speakers said: Guthrie listed several community impacts and quoted outside critics to underscore potential environmental and economic costs. He asked the commission to "thoroughly investigate all aspects of these centers" and hold open hearings so residents can weigh in.

Next steps: County staff will hold the June 17 workshop; commissioners signaled they will consider the topic at that public session.