Winnebago Tribe leaders cite water risks amid data center talks
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska passed a resolution opposing hyperscale data centers near its reservation, citing potential impacts on drinking water and land. The resolution follows discussions about a possible Google data center in Salix, Iowa, although no project plans have been confirmed.
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska has formally opposed hyperscale data centers near its reservation after months of discussion about a potential facility in Salix, Iowa, across the Missouri River. Tribal officials said they learned of the proposal after a Salix resident contacted them, and the tribe has since held community events to explain potential data center impacts.
Water use is the tribe's primary concern. Officials said a hyperscale facility could consume millions of gallons of water each day and affect the Dakota Stone and Ogallala aquifers, which supply drinking water for the Winnebago and Omaha tribes. Tribal leaders also cited recently returned land at Snyder's Bend that could fall within the area potentially affected by a facility.
No data center has been formally proposed in Salix, but the city council is expected to discuss a memorandum of understanding with Google. Residents have displayed signs both supporting and opposing possible development, while the Winnebago Tribe continues to campaign against the project and hyperscale data centers generally.