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Aurora mayor urges statewide limits on water use and noise for data centers
Summary
Aurora Mayor John Lash told the committee local experience with five operating data centers shows the need for state-level rules on power sourcing, water consumption, and continuous noise monitoring at property lines.
Aurora Mayor John Lash told the committee his city’s experience with multiple data centers led officials to adopt local measures but pushed for stronger state standards on energy and water.
"We believe that the state should set limits on water consumption and eliminate evaporative cooling systems and only allow water systems that are closed systems," Lash said, urging the state to require water-impact studies, long-term sustainability plans and to clarify rules for backup generators. He also cited grid concerns, saying current generation in the state stands at roughly 24 gigawatts while new data centers could require about 30 gigawatts more.
Lash described persistent low-frequency noise reported by residents near data centers and explained Aurora’s local approach — capping noise at 56 decibels and switching to continuous decibel measurement — while noting state measurement rules are complex and harder to enforce. He recommended the state adopt clearer measurement standards, continuous monitoring at property lines and regional approaches to energy and water planning.
