Tucson Opinion Piece Compares Data Center Water Use to Alfalfa Fields, Criticizes State Policy
An opinion piece from Tucson, Arizona, criticizes the water usage of data centers, arguing that their environmental impact, including toxic water discharge, air pollution, and noise, is often underestimated compared to agricultural uses like alfalfa farming. The author also questions state lawmakers' decisions regarding water policy and inviting global companies to Arizona.
An opinion piece published in the Arizona Daily Star contrasts the water consumption of data centers with that of alfalfa farming, arguing that while data center water use may appear minor on the surface, its environmental impact is significant. The author, Vinn Leuthold, highlights that used data center water is highly toxic, that U.S. data centers consumed 800 billion liters in 2023 (including indirect power grid usage), and that they contribute to air pollution, property value degradation, grid strain, and noise.
Conversely, alfalfa irrigation water is described as quietly seeping back into the ground. The author also raises broader concerns about Arizona's water governance, questioning why lawmakers are recruiting global companies to the state, which they claim leads to the "theft" of Arizonans' water. Furthermore, the piece criticizes lawmakers for not addressing Arizona's "archaic water law" that permits foreign entities extensive water access while local citizens face shortages. The article is part of a "Tucson Speaks Out" section, reflecting local commentary.