Here's why some communities are sounding the alarm about AI data centers during a historic drought

North Carolina is experiencing a historic drought, leading communities to express significant concerns about the increasing water demands of AI data centers. These facilities can consume vast quantities of water daily for cooling, with some estimates suggesting a single data center could use up to 2.5 million gallons per day. Chatham County leaders have cited water consumption as a primary reason for enacting a one-year moratorium on new data center developments within the county. Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard highlighted the county's climate future risks and the importance of addressing water use as a byproduct of industry, noting the county is developing a climate plan. Currently, North Carolina does not mandate data centers to report or limit their water usage, even during drought conditions.