Cedar Rapids drilling new storage aquifer to stay ‘ahead of the game’ amidst data center development
The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is drilling a new aquifer storage recovery system to proactively manage its water supply in anticipation of increased demand from new data centers, including those by Google and QTS. The project involves a new water well and is partially funded by a $1.3 million grant from Google. City leaders aim to ensure long-term water stability for public and industrial needs, especially given past droughts and potential upstream demand.
The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is embarking on a significant water infrastructure project, drilling a new aquifer storage recovery (ASR) system, to secure its water supply as data center development progresses within the city. Utilities Director Roy Hesemann stated that this proactive measure, which includes a new water supply well drilled into the Jordan Aquifer at the Northwest Water Treatment Plant, is essential to meet increased demand, especially from companies like Google and QTS that are constructing data centers on the southwest side of the city.
The Cedar Rapids City Council recently approved plans for the drilling, estimated to cost between $12 and $14 million in total, with the first phase priced at $3.7 million. Google is contributing $1.3 million in grant money towards the project. Hesemann emphasized that the initiative, though in planning for a year, is not solely timed with data center construction but is aimed at being 'ahead of the game' to ensure the city remains a good steward of its resources and can accommodate future industrial growth and public needs, particularly during peak summer months and periods of drought, which can lead to high nitrate levels in the water. Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell also highlighted the city's water treatment capacity in a recent address, acknowledging ongoing studies to assess water quantity and quality in light of the data center developments and the restart of the Duane Arnold nuclear plant. While data centers are significant users, Hesemann noted they are not the largest, and the city is confident in its ability to cater to diverse industries.