Idaho law sets up safeguard for data centers' water use

Idaho recently enacted House Bill 895, a new state law designed to safeguard the state's water resources by regulating data center water usage. The legislation, co-sponsored by Idaho Rep. Britt Raybould, mandates specific cooling systems for any company choosing to build a data center in Idaho. New facilities must either implement closed-loop cooling systems, which recirculate water to minimize waste, or obtain water access through an existing water user such as a city, water district, or sewer district. Rep. Raybould emphasized the critical importance of water conservation for all Idaho residents, particularly amidst the state's current drought conditions. She stated that the law aims to ensure long-term water certainty for citizens by thoughtfully addressing water policy. The law reflects an effort to proactively manage the environmental impact of data centers on the state's natural resources.