What do data centers sound like?
The Gazette's reporter Grace Nieland visited Iowa communities, including West Des Moines, to investigate the on-the-ground impacts of data center development. She recorded the sound at the property line of a Microsoft data center in West Des Moines to address public questions about noise levels. The recordings show the hum of the facility, which can be partially masked by traffic.
Grace Nieland, a Linn County government reporter for The Gazette, explored the impact of data centers in Iowa, which she noted are a significant topic across the state with many communities seeing new developments and residents asking questions. To provide answers, Nieland visited established data center communities like Altoona, West Des Moines, and Council Bluffs to observe their on-the-ground effects.
A common concern raised by the public is the sound generated by data centers and its audibility for adjacent property owners. Nieland took sound clips at the property line of a Microsoft data center in West Des Moines, specifically noting that the recordings were made on a 90-degree day, indicating the cooling systems were working harder. She also captured audio from across the street, demonstrating how ambient noise, such as traffic, can sometimes drown out the data center's hum.
Nieland encouraged viewers to visit thegazette.com for further information on how data centers impact Iowa communities.